2022 Tesla Model Y: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 783 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the automatic emergency braking, acceleration and cruise control, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 783
- Recalls
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 71
- 136 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 Y: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
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 highway0/2
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 Y is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 Tesla Model Y. 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 | 244–330 mi range |
- With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 244–330 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.
Phantom braking on new cars
64–1,200 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Tesla Model Y, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Automatic emergency braking25110 crashes
Hard braking with nothing ahead is the dominant pattern. Reports describe the car slamming on the brakes on open, dry highways in clear weather, sometimes many times in one trip. It happens with Autopilot, Full Self-Driving, or plain cruise control engaged, and some cases begin on nearly new cars. Crash reports add Autopilot or FSD steering into curbs and barriers, no warning before road debris, and the car surging forward after the driver takes over. Ten complaints involve crashes. Service visits often find nothing wrong in the logs.
Acceleration and cruise control1186 crashes
Sudden acceleration at very low speed is the most serious pattern. Cars surge forward while turning into driveways, entering parking garages, or waiting at lights, and hit garage doors, walls, pillars, and other cars. Several were totaled, and 5 injuries are reported. The more common complaint is phantom braking under traffic-aware cruise control, which cuts speed by 10 to 15 mph in seconds on empty highways. Other reports describe automatic emergency braking slamming on while reversing, and a "cruise control unavailable" error that service called a known issue with no fix.
Electrical848 crashes
Power and control failures make up most of these reports. The center screen goes black and the doors stay locked, including after a crash, so occupants cannot get out normally. Fire reports include a car burning while charging, flames from a front wheel area while driving, and a smoking USB port. Other failures include the driver-assist computer dying after a software update, which disables automatic braking and collision warnings. One power conversion fault cut Supercharging and drained the battery while parked. Charge port latch faults and Summon collisions also appear. One filing alone lists 99 injuries, which inflates the injury count.
Brakes686 crashes
Unexpected hard braking dominates, mostly with cruise control or Autopilot on and occasionally with no driver assist active. Oncoming traffic, overpasses, and hills seem to set it off, and some drivers report neck and head pain from the jolt. A smaller group of crash reports describes the pedal failing to stop the car while it moves forward on its own, automatic emergency braking not stepping in, and brakes skipping on snow. One higher-mileage complaint describes shuddering during regenerative braking downhill that three service visits did not fix.
Steering4512 crashes
The wheel jerks or turns on its own, often with Autosteer or FSD engaged, and sends the car into walls, trees, or the next lane. Several reports describe steering locking up for seconds or becoming impossible to turn at highway speed in rain. With 12 crash-related complaints and 12 injuries, this is a high-risk category, and one report describes a post-crash fire and a passenger death. Some cases followed a software update the night before. A non-crash pattern is clicking near the steering column from worn front link bushings at 38,000 miles.
Airbags155 crashes
A recurring "Front passenger safety restraint system fault" warning is the main complaint. Repairs to connectors, the seat harness, and the occupant sensor seat often fail, and the warning returns months later. Some owners were denied warranty coverage once they passed the 50k basic warranty. The occupant sensor also leaves the passenger airbag off for many adults over 100 pounds, and service has called this normal. Crash reports describe airbags not deploying in side impacts and severe collisions, including cars that were totaled.
Suspension152 crashes
Bolts on the front lower control arm or lateral link back out, and the arm drops so the wheel collapses. Most cases happen while backing out of parking spaces, often after a clicking noise, and some recur after earlier repairs. Similar reports describe a rear camber nut coming off, play in the rear upper control arm on a car not covered by recall 21V-912, and a loose tie rod jam nut. Uneven tire wear and cupping are common, sometimes within 7500 miles on Performance models. Tesla has refused coverage, calling it wear or impact damage.
Lane keeping123 crashes
Autosteer and Autopilot swerve without warning into turn lanes, toward walls, or into a passing car, and one complaint describes a sideswipe. Lane departure avoidance can overcorrect or pull the car back during driver lane changes. A separate pattern involves "camera blocked or blinded" alerts caused by condensation or dirt behind the front camera glass. These alerts shut off Autopilot, and one service center called it a known issue with no repair. Smart Summon hitting a parked car and phantom braking after software updates also appear.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Model Y owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The FSD is not fully matured and I have tried multiple times and all times and the experience is weird and very hard braking and no control on parking lots. So not sure why this is called Fully self driving capability by Tesla? I have paid 12k for this capability in my car and unfortunately it's not fully functional. Hope some safety precautions will be taken for the safety of the drivers and passengers. Happy to provide more details if needed. Thank you
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Within the last week, while driving cross-country on Interstate highways at speeds of 65-75 MPH, car repeatedly (estimate 10-15 times over 1800 miles) experienced “phantom braking,” automatically engaging the brakes in the absence of any sort of hazard whatsoever (no cars or other objects nearby, fortunately; clear, sunny weather). This occurred when Full Self-Driving was engaged and also when cruise control without FSD was engaged.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
In late February we were driving up California State Highway 5 at approximately 70-75 miles per hour. There were no cars within half a mile, and we had turned on adaptive cruise control. Suddenly, there was a strong brake applied for no apparent reason, which was very disturbing for the entire family. We have never turned on adaptive cruise control since. This appears to be an instance of "phantom breaking" according to our online research.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2022
Phantom Braking. I was on Auto Pilot on the freeway traveling at 75 mph. All of a sudden the car did an automatic hard brake and the car started to veer toward the center divider. The car only had 64 miles and was brand new. This was the first time I had used autopilot and had been on the freeway. There was a truck on my right and it was a 2 lane freeway. Nobody has inspected the car.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
Had car less than 48 hours and charged for first time overnight and the charging stopped 1 hour into the session. In the am there was no power to car and had to call roadside that was able to jump and get power to remove charge and get on tow truck Tesla reports a PCS unit and Voltage unit failed and need replacement This car is less than 38 hours old with 103 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
Phantom braking. When car is on autopilot the car suddenly brakes. It’s happening a lot when I’m driving back from work. I drive 72 miles one way to work on Mondays and some Fridays. On one day it did breaks 3 times with no object in sight. Glad I’m not rear ended
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
It was snowing and I was driving down a hill going at least 5 miles an hour because there where at 10 cars in front of me. When I went to break the car, the breaks didn’t work and I slid the hill hitting to vehicles. The breaks would skip and wouldn’t lock.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2022
The car was delivered to me today. It has 15 miles on the odometer. The brakes do not work. I almost crashed into a home. Extreme safety concern. The next device appointment is July 20th. I will wait for them to diagnose the issue. Very concern this auto manufacturer is delivering faulty brand new products to consumers.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
How the 2022 compares with other Model Y years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks third for owner complaints among 6 Model Y years, about 1.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Automatic emergency braking251125
- Acceleration and cruise control11863
- Electrical8450
- Brakes6839
- Steering4558
- Airbags1513
Where the 2022 fits in the Model Y's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the third model year of the Model Y's first generation (2020–2025).
Tesla updated the Model Y for 2025, so a 2022 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2025 (not on a 2022)
- Full-width light bar as daytime running lights and tail light
- Touchscreen for rear passengers
- Sleeker front design
- Redesigned wheels and rear diffuser
Recalls to confirm (18)
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.
23V385000SteeringMay 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The steering wheel fastener may be loose.
Risk: A loose fastener may allow the steering wheel to disconnect from the steering column, which can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed July 28, 2023. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-32-001.
23V130000SeatsFeb 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened.
Risk: A loose seat frame bolt may reduce the seat belt system's performance, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-13-001.
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.
22V844000Exterior lightsNov 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.
Risk: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, 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 January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.
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.
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.
21V912000SuspensionNov 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
Risk: Suspension links that separate can reduce vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the knuckles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-004.
Also looking at these instead of a Model Y?
Cars shoppers compare with the Tesla Model Y, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
- BMW X356
- Genesis GV7082
- Volkswagen Tiguan199
- Kia EV6215
- Hyundai Ioniq 5349
- Hyundai Tucson433
- 2022 Tesla Model Y783
