Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Tesla Model Y
The 2022 Tesla Model Y has a substantial number of recalls and owner complaints, particularly in safety features and the electrical system, indicating potential reliability concerns. Some issues are linked to software errors and safety features like collision avoidance and seat belts. The evidence suggests being cautious, especially if issues have not been addressed in the vehicle's history.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Tesla Model Y has 20 NHTSA recall campaigns and 875 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V507000 Low Beam Headlights May Be Too Bright/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V283000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V935000 TPMS Light May Not Remain Illuminated/FMVSS 138 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V554000 Software May Fail to Detect Unlatched Hood NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V376000 Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V153000 Muted Pedestrian Warning Sound/FMVSS 141 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V051000 Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V838000 Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V385000 Steering Wheel May Disconnect from Steering Column NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V130000 Second-Row Seat Frame May Be Improperly Secured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V085000 Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V844000 Taillight May Fail to Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V702000 Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V296000 Overheating May Cause Center Display Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V235000 Pedestrian Warning Sound May Be Obscured/FMVSS 141 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V063000 Pedestrian Warning Sound May Be Obscured/FMVSS 141 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V050000 Windshield May Not Defrost Properly/FMVSS 103 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V045000 Seat Belt Chime May Not Activate/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V037000 Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V912000 Suspension Knuckles May Fracture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 497 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 140 complaints
- Service Brakes 131 complaints
- Unknown or Other 122 complaints
- Electrical System 121 complaints
- Lane Departure 72 complaints
Of the 875 complaints on file, 91 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 875 complaints, owners report 152 injuries and 103 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Collision avoidance failures
How to check: Inspect for updated software addressing safety recalls.
Software causing safety features failures
How to check: Verify software version resolves any recall issues.
Loose steering wheel fastener
How to check: Check for any unusual steering wheel play.
Knuckle fractures in suspension
How to check: Examine for any visible suspension damage.
Service brakes complaints
How to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and unusual noise.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine or electrical sounds.
Red flag: Unusual noises from engine or systems
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check if any warning lights appear on the dash.
Red flag: Dashboard warning lights active
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering for tightness or unusual play.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check forward collision alerts are functional.
Red flag: Collision system fails to alert
- 05
Smooth road driving
What to check: Notice any suspension noise or harshness.
Red flag: Clunking or harsh suspension feel
- 06
Braking at moderate speed
What to check: Feel for a firm pedal and no pull.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or pulling to side
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ensure rearview camera functions without delay.
Red flag: Delayed or malfunctioning camera feed
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the collision avoidance software been updated?
- Are there any open recalls not addressed?
- Have the brake issues been inspected or repaired?
- Is there any record of suspension repairs?
- Has the steering wheel fastener been checked?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair history
- Detailed service records
- Software update logs
- Warranty documentation
- Previous ownership records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Tesla Model Y at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 Tesla Model Y? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.