2022 Tesla Model S Safety Report
2022 Tesla Model S: High recall volume for critical safety systems, unrated crash performance, and notable consumer complaints regarding ADAS and steering.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Tesla Model S
Reliability Score
The 2022 Tesla Model S receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2022 Tesla Model S
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Tesla Model S:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag System Defects Multiple recalls (e.g., incorrect horn pad, tearing driver airbag, incorrect airbag with replacement steering) indicate widespread issues with airbag functionality and deployment. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance (Aeb) Malfunctions 18 complaints related to Forward Collision Avoidance, including unexpected braking and delayed/inappropriate system responses, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Steering System Issues (Including Yoke Usability) 9 complaints about steering, with specific concerns about the steering yoke's unintuitive design, difficult horn access, and blinker button placement affecting safety. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Tire Failures And Excessive Wear 7 complaints about tires, including multiple blowouts at highway speeds and extreme inner-edge wear down to metal cords, indicating a potential design or alignment issue. |
High | Occasional | 0-30000 miles |
| Seat Belt System Defects Recalls for unbelted driver warning light failure and front-row seat belts not properly connected to pretensioner anchors, along with complaints of seat belts not latching. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions 4 complaints about the electrical system, including unexpected shutdowns, power reduction warnings, and water damage to safety restraint control modules. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Full Self-Driving (Fsd) Beta Software Issues Recalls for FSD Beta allowing vehicles to exceed speed limits or travel unpredictably, and complaints of FSD making unsafe maneuvers or stopping abruptly in traffic. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Tesla Model S:
A significant portion of complaints fall into a general 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category, indicating a variety of miscellaneous issues not fitting specific component classifications.
Frequent reports of the Forward Collision Avoidance system malfunctioning, including unexpected braking and delayed responses.
Concerns related to the steering system, including the usability of the steering yoke and horn access.
Multiple complaints about tire failures, blowouts, and premature, uneven wear.
Reports of suspension issues, including air suspension errors and the car attempting to lift then dropping.
Complaints related to the vehicle's structure, such as door hinge bolts falling out or windows spontaneously shattering.
Combined issues with service brakes and forward collision avoidance, often related to unexpected braking.
Problems with the vehicle's electrical system, including power reductions and unexpected shutdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Tesla Model S
Is the 2022 Tesla Model S safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Tesla Model S has not received official crash test ratings, so its performance in controlled crash scenarios is unknown. However, it has been subject to 19 recalls addressing critical safety components like airbags, seat belts, and autonomous driving software. There are also 128 consumer complaints, including 3 crashes, highlighting issues with forward collision avoidance, steering, and tire failures. While recalls aim to mitigate risks, the lack of crash ratings and ongoing consumer complaints suggest potential safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2022 Tesla Model S?
The most reported issues for the 2022 Tesla Model S, based on NHTSA complaints, fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (23 complaints), 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' (18 complaints), and 'STEERING' (9 complaints). Specific problems include unexpected braking, tire blowouts and excessive wear, issues with the steering yoke's usability and horn access, and various electrical system malfunctions.
How many recalls does the 2022 Tesla Model S have?
The 2022 Tesla Model S has 19 recalls issued by NHTSA. These recalls address a wide range of safety-critical components, including multiple issues with airbags, seat belts, hood latches, door locks, instrument cluster font size, and the Full Self-Driving Beta software.
Are there issues with the Tesla Model S's autonomous driving features?
Yes, there are significant concerns. The 2022 Tesla Model S has been part of recalls related to its Autosteer and Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software, specifically for allowing vehicles to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner. Consumer complaints also detail instances of FSD making unsafe maneuvers or stopping abruptly.
What should I know about the steering yoke on the 2022 Model S?
Several complaints highlight safety concerns with the steering yoke. Users report it being unintuitive, making it difficult to instinctively press the horn or use turn signals without taking eyes off the road, especially in emergencies. There was also a recall for incorrect airbag installation when the steering yoke was replaced.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high number of safety recalls and recurring consumer complaints, particularly regarding ADAS and steering, potential buyers should thoroughly investigate recall completion status and be aware of reported issues before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Tesla Model S
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Tesla Model S. The data includes 128 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 19 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.