NHTSA lists 20 safety recalls and 141 owner complaints for the 2022 Tesla Model S. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (34) and steering (21). The EPA rates it 101–120 mpg combined.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Since a XXX Tesla software update, Full Self-Driving on VIN [XXX] applies the brakes suddenly with no visible obstacle. This phantom braking occurs at least 5–6 times every day. Vehicles behind me have slammed on their brakes and I have had near rear-end collisions. I purchased FSD outright. I have taken the car to Tesla Service in Mount Kisco, NY and White Plains, NY. Neither location restored the feature or issued a software fix. Customer support said they cannot reach engineering. This is an ongoing safety hazard to following traffic.”
“Back tires are popping in the inner wall I’m on my 6th tires for the years same thing keeps happening. Steering wheel is falling apart Tesla is refusing to fix it.”
“I am getting an error of the Tesla Front Passenger Restraint System Fault. This is a known issue among Tesla owners and Tesla wants to charge for repair/replacement when this is a design flaw.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 124 | 115 | 120 | $650 | — |
| Model S Plaid (19 inch wheels) Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 119 | 112 | 116 | $650 | — |
| Model S Plaid (21 inch wheels) Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 102 | 99 | 101 | $750 | — |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | 6,000–8,000 mi | 6–12 months | EVs wear tires faster (weight, torque) |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–4 years | Regen braking spares the pads, not the fluid |
| Battery coolant | Per manual | Per manual | Intervals vary widely by maker |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years |
20 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 141 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (34), steering (21), electrical system (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2022 Tesla Model S at 101–120 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).