2022 Tesla Model 3: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 729 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the automatic emergency braking, acceleration and cruise control, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 729
- Recalls
- 16
- Crashes reported
- 51
- 42 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 Tesla Model 3: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Model 3 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 Tesla Model 3. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | AWD, RWD | 272–358 mi range |
- With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 272–358 miles. A much lower number on a mild day can mean a worn battery; ask for a battery health report.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Low-speed unintended acceleration
50–1,062 miles
Phantom braking on cruise control
143–5,760 miles
Passenger restraint system fault
15,000–50,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Tesla Model 3, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Automatic emergency braking2753 crashes
Hard, unexplained braking on clear roads is the dominant report. It hits with cruise control, Autopilot, or Full Self-Driving engaged, often with a loud alert, and sometimes several times per trip. Triggers owners name include oncoming trucks on two-lane roads, shadows, and a fluttering roof strap. Many say it began when the car was new, within the first few thousand miles, and service told some it was normal. Following drivers have had to swerve. Crash reports include FSD clipping a curb, rolling into a car at a light, and false braking that caused a rear-end collision behind.
Acceleration and cruise control1537 crashes
Two failures dominate. The first is phantom braking under cruise control or Autopilot, with speed dropping by as much as 30 or 40 mph on empty highways, often from early ownership. The second is more dangerous: sudden acceleration at parking or stoplight speeds, with drivers reporting the brake pedal did not stop the car. These reports include crashes into walls, barriers, and other vehicles, plus serious injuries such as a broken back. Tesla blamed pedal misapplication in at least one case, and service could not reproduce the problem in another.
Brakes917 crashes
Unwanted braking on cruise control or Autopilot makes up much of this category, with drops from highway speed to around 40 mph and near rear-end collisions. A smaller but more serious group describes brakes that fail to stop the car. Drivers report a heavy pedal, ABS chattering with almost no deceleration, a brake warning light before a crash, and the car surging forward with the pedal pressed. Several reports involve crashes and injuries, including one total loss. Some owners say service drove the car briefly and found nothing wrong.
Electrical375 crashes
Center screen blackouts and vehicle computer failures stand out. When the display goes dark, drivers lose the speedometer and battery readout. A failed computer can disable every camera and driver-assist feature, with repair quotes near $2,900 to $3,052.30. Two fire reports appear: a parked, unplugged car blamed for a garage fire, and a post-crash flame from the dash vent. Other reports describe a rear drive unit failure at 3k miles, a rear door unlatching while driving, silent turn signals, and sweet-smelling vapor entering the cabin when heat is on.
Steering2910 crashes
Sudden, uncommanded steering is the core complaint. Owners describe the wheel jerking left or right at highway or city speeds, then seizing or turning heavy, sending the car into barriers, trees, or across lanes. Several of these crashes involve injuries, and some drivers say no driver-assist feature was on. Separately, power steering failure messages appear, one at 22500 miles, sometimes clearing after a restart. Lane-keeping also pulled one car into a curb after tire work done without an alignment. One post-crash fire report cites difficulty finding the manual door release.
Airbags103 crashes
A recurring front passenger safety restraint system fault is the most common problem. The warning comes and goes, can disable the passenger airbag, and has been blamed on a seat sensor or occupant classification module. Owners report it appearing from about 15k miles and by 49,000 miles, with repair quotes of $455 and $1100 and slow scheduling. A separate group reports airbags not deploying in serious crashes, including a side strike by a school bus and a high-speed rear impact, with head and neck injuries.
Lane keeping82 crashes
Few complaints, and they are mixed. Laggy camera feeds when reversing or changing lanes lead one owner to hit a pole, and Summon drove another car into a parked vehicle with a passenger inside. Other reports repeat the phantom braking pattern, with oncoming semis triggering slowdowns from about 60 to 30 mph. One owner found self-driving had turned on without their knowledge and was changing lanes. A failed central computer also appears here, cutting safety alerts and Autopilot.
Wheels and tires72 crashes
Curb strikes under Full Self-Driving lead this small group. Owners say certain software versions steer too close to the curb, damaging rims and cutting tires. Wheels also crack or puncture from road debris, and one crack found at 20,000 miles was not covered under warranty. One report links a fatal single-car crash to a suspected left front wheel failure. Another describes a broken lug nut after the car climbed a curb while backing out.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Model 3 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
With the autopilot engaged, on the freeway, and at freeway speeds, the car will automatically brake without reason and without any traffic in front of the car. In a stretch of 100 miles, the car did this 8 times. The car even "phantom brakes" on regular cruise control. This is not only alarming but dangerous! Had the road been wet, or slick, we could have easily crashed! THIS MALFUNCTION NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION! Thank you, Steve & Liza Starr
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
Every once in a while (once per 100-200 miles) I experience "phantom braking" when using Adaptive Cruise Control with Autosteering (not sure if Autosteering matters – I always use ACC with Autosteering together, so hard to tell). That is when ACC decides to quickly reduce speed significantly for no apparent reason (no cars or other obstacles in front). It could be dangerous as it could lead the car behind me to crash into me.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
My wife driving our Tesla Model 3. From her report, the car was accelerating on its own and would not stop despite her pressing on the brake pedal. She was unable to stop at the traffic light and crashed into another car at an intersection.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
Vehicle applies 100% braking sporadically when traveling at highway speeds on cruise control, causing loss of control and risk to vehicles behind it. It seems that the vehicle’s forward sensors mistakenly interpret an imminent collision and apply full braking force, without any potential collision risk present. This happens in all scenarios, single to multiple lane highways, dense traffic to no traffic. This is commonly referred to as “phantom braking”.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
On at least five occasions since purchasing this car new on 12/07/21, the car, while on Autopilot (non-FSD), has suddenly and unexpectedly braked on clear roads. On each occasion, there were no vehicles in front of me nor any objects visible on or near the roadway. On two occasions, a car following me nearly collided with my car. All the incidents occurred AFTER camera calibration was completed. The car has 143 miles at this writing.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
Taking two 300+ mile trips, last Friday (June 24)and yesterday Monday (June 27), while on Auto Pilot with the cruise at either 80 or 85, the car had multiple phantom braking issues. The car would decelerate between 10-20 miles instantly with no obstacles or other cars around. This happened at least 10 times total with both trips. So much so that I have no confidence in using this feature again. It's horrifying when it happens.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
the car started to abruptly accelerate when slowing down the car at a stop light and would not brake. the anti collision functions did not work. the car went into a truck.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
Have reported multiple times the safety hazard with the unnacuracy of the mileage given per charge. Vehicle will drain through battery leaving motorist standard. When using self drive option vehicle will not stay in appropriate lanes. Vehicle will overheat on battery and start making concerning sounds while driving. When reported to Tesla they acknowledged the issue but have failed to fix the issues on the vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
How the 2022 compares with other Model 3 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks second for owner complaints among 9 Model 3 years, about 1.8 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Automatic emergency braking27571
- Acceleration and cruise control15345
- Brakes9125
- Electrical3747
- Steering2941
- Airbags1028
Where the 2022 fits in the Model 3's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the sixth model year of the Model 3's first generation (2017–2023).
It includes the 2021 update.
What changed for 2021
- Black finish on door handles and trim
- Addition of heat pump
- Redesigned center console
- Quieter double-pane glass
Recalls to confirm (16)
Recall repairs are free at any Tesla dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V935000Wheels and tiresDec 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.".
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
24V554000Door latches and locksJul 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
24V376000Seat beltsMay 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
24V153000Automatic emergency brakingFeb 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
24V051000ElectricalJan 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
23V838000ElectricalDec 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
23V085000SteeringFeb 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
22V798000Seat beltsOct 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
Risk: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
22V702000Wipers and visibilitySep 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems.".
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
22V296000Backup cameraMay 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.
Risk: A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-009.
22V263000ElectricalApr 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays.".
Risk: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
22V235000ElectricalApr 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
22V063000ElectricalFeb 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
22V050000ElectricalFeb 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.".
Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
22V045000ElectricalFeb 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
22V037000ElectricalJan 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Also looking at these instead of a Model 3?
Cars shoppers compare with the Tesla Model 3, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
- BMW 3 Series6
- Volvo S6014
- Genesis G7025
- Toyota Camry47
- Kia EV6215
- Hyundai Ioniq 5349
- 2022 Tesla Model 3729
