2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD

Showing the 2022 Model 3 RWD: as EPA lists it. NHTSA's overall rating for that drive: 5 stars (RWD). Recalls and complaints cover the whole model year. Every version

Owner complaints, recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings from public NHTSA and EPA data, updated Oct 17, 2026.

About every 2022 Model 3

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 has 767 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, most, 532, about collision warning and automatic braking. It rates 113 to 132 MPGe combined, with a 5-year fuel cost of $3,500 to $4,110 at U.S. average prices. NHTSA gives it 5 overall stars. There are 18 recall campaigns that may apply, covering lights, backup camera, tires, and others, and 1 was replaced by a later campaign.

Written by AI from public EPA and NHTSA data. Not a review.

Fuel economy
132 MPGecombined; city 138, highway 126; the RWD
Five years of fuel
$3,500U.S. average; Ohio $3,730 at local prices; the RWD; fuel only, not other costs of owning it; 15,000 miles a year, at EIA electricity prices for Jul 2026
NHTSA overall safety rating
5 starslowest across the versions NHTSA tested
Recall campaigns
18over its history, 1 replaced by a later one; check a VIN for open ones
Owner complaints
767filed with NHTSA; not adjusted for sales

Versions

NHTSA's VIN data lists no trims for the 2022 Model 3, so these are the versions EPA tested, by its names. Recalls and complaints cover the whole model year: whether a recall applies to a car depends on its VIN, on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Problems owners report

Owners have filed 767 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Model 3. These are unverified owner reports, counted by the part of the car they name; one complaint can name several parts. Counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so they don't show how reliable a car is.

Complaints by part of the car
PartComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Forward collision avoidance53215011
Vehicle speed control17114012
Service brakes16713012
Unknown or other911108
Electrical system60648
Lane departure44801
Steering371218
Visibility/wiper16000
Air bags13408
Power train13000
Wheels13300
Seat belts12000
13 more parts
Seats10102
Structure10101
Suspension10000
Fuel/propulsion system9200
Back over prevention8300
Engine7100
Exterior lighting7000
Visibility7000
Equipment2000
Latches/locks/linkages2112
Engine and engine cooling1000
Service brakes, air1100
Tires1000

Complaints by model year

Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for sales, so a shorter bar doesn't mean a more reliable year.

  1. 201726
  2. 20181,031
  3. 2019617
  4. 2020451
  5. 2021669
  6. 2022767
  7. 2023428
  8. 2024220
  9. 2025121
  10. 202629

Every Model 3 year side by side

Recalls

NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the 2022 Model 3 over its history, 1 replaced by a later one. A replaced campaign is listed at the end as history, not as a separate repair. Campaigns are matched by model and year, so each one may apply to a given car, and its repair may already be done: check a VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup for the open recalls on that exact car.

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 26V507000 · reported Aug 4, 2026 · 20,349 vehicles potentially affected

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were be mailed October 3, 2026. Another notice will be sent once the repair becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: software

NHTSA campaign 26V283000 · reported May 4, 2026 · 218,868 vehicles potentially affected

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."

Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

NHTSA's record and documents

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA campaign 24V935000 · reported Dec 17, 2024 · 696,281 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: software; Latches/locks/linkages: hood

NHTSA campaign 24V554000 · reported Jul 24, 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · reported May 28, 2024 · 125,233 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings

NHTSA campaign 24V153000 · reported Feb 27, 2024 · 6,557 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · reported Jan 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: adas

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · reported Dec 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Steering: automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · reported Feb 15, 2023 · 362,758 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 22V798000 · reported Oct 21, 2022 · 24,064 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Visibility: power window devices and controls

NHTSA campaign 22V702000 · reported Sep 19, 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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 (as written in NHTSA's record). Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: display function; Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 22V296000 · reported May 3, 2022 · 129,960 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 22V263000 · reported Apr 18, 2022 · 48,184 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings

NHTSA campaign 22V235000 · reported Apr 12, 2022 · 594,894 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: software; Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system

NHTSA campaign 22V050000 · reported Feb 2, 2022 · 26,681 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: software; Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 22V045000 · reported Feb 1, 2022 · 817,143 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Steering: automated/adaptive steering

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · reported Jan 27, 2022 · 53,822 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

1 replaced campaign (history)

Electrical system: software; Forward collision avoidance: warnings

NHTSA campaign 22V063000 · reported Feb 4, 2022 · 578,607 vehicles potentially affected

Replaced by campaign 22V235000, as NHTSA's record says: history, not a separate repair.

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Service bulletins and investigations

Carmakers sent NHTSA 76 service bulletins and notices that cover the 2022 Model 3, the latest on May 8, 2026. They tell dealers how to fix known issues.

The parts they mention most: unknown or other (40), equipment (16), structure (8), electronic stability control (4), electrical system (3).

NHTSA defect investigations

Opening an investigation isn't a finding of a defect. Outcomes are as NHTSA's summary states them. A recall is shown as an investigation's outcome only where NHTSA's summary names it; other recalls NHTSA's file lists with it are marked as listed, not caused.

InvestigationPartOpenedStatus
Engineering analysis EA26002
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Electrical systemMar 18, 2026Open
NHTSA's record and documents
Defect petition DP25002
Emergency egress controls are not readily accessible and clearly identifiable.
StructureDec 23, 2025Closed Jul 22, 2026
Petition denied
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE25012
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
Electrical systemOct 7, 2025Open
NHTSA's record and documents
Audit query AQ25002
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
Electrical systemAug 20, 2025Open
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE24031
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
Electrical systemOct 17, 2024Closed Mar 18, 2026
NHTSA's record and documents
Recall query RQ24009
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Electrical systemApr 25, 2024Open
NHTSA's summary names recall 23V838000
NHTSA's record and documents
Defect petition DP23002
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle speed controlJun 29, 2023Open
NHTSA's record and documents
Defect petition DP23001
Defect Petition Interlock Request
Unknown or otherApr 7, 2023Closed Mar 18, 2026
NHTSA's record and documents
Defect petition DP22005
Pedestrian alert sounds · covers 43 makes
Electrical systemJan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
Petition withdrawn
NHTSA's file lists recall 22V063000 with it
NHTSA's record and documents
Engineering analysis EA22002
Autopilot System Driver Controls
Electrical systemJun 8, 2022Closed Apr 25, 2024
upgraded from PE21020
NHTSA's summary names recall 23V838000
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE22002
Unexpected Brake Activation
Forward collision avoidanceFeb 16, 2022Closed Jun 29, 2026
NHTSA's summary names recall 21V846000
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE21023
Tesla Passenger Play
EquipmentDec 21, 2021Closed May 26, 2023
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE21020
Autopilot & First Responder Scenes
Electrical systemAug 13, 2021Closed Jun 8, 2022
Upgraded to an engineering analysis
NHTSA's record and documents

Used ones for sale

See used 2022 Tesla Model 3s for sale on: Autotrader · CarMax

These are searches on those sites; we don't copy or check their listings. Your ZIP is used for these links and never kept.

Specs

EPA class: midsize cars. EPA greenhouse gas score: 10 out of 10. Each version EPA tested:

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCity / hwy / comb
Model 3
Rear-Wheel Drive
192 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)Electricity
272 miles of range
138 / 126 / 132 MPGe
Model 3 Long Range
All-Wheel Drive
98 and 195 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)Electricity
358 miles of range
134 / 126 / 131 MPGe
Model 3 Performance
All-Wheel Drive
131 and 190 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)Electricity
315 miles of range
118 / 107 / 113 MPGe

Compare

Sources and dates

Fuel cost: EPA mpg with fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026 and electricity prices for Jul 2026. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Oct 2026). Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA. About the data