Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA has logged 141 owner complaints about the 2022 Tesla Model S, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 20 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-172 the manufacturer reports only 73% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily.
141 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 34 | 0 |
| Steering | 21 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 0 |
| Wheels | 9 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 0 |
| Tires | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 1 |
| 10 other systems | 33 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Risk. A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Risk. An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as…
Risk. An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk. A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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…
Risk. A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk. A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.
Risk. A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings,…
Risk. Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk. Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk. Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Tesla.
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Model S median. How we score
Federal investigations that included the 2022 Tesla Model S, and the recalls they led to.
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Incident Description: While driving through a parking lot at 20 mi/hr, my vehicle's AEB system activated in response to another vehicle approaching from a perpendicular direction. However, the system's response was dangerously delayed and inappropriate stopping the car right in front of the other…
Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S (HW 3.0) System in Question: Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, initially purchased (Level 1 equivalent) for $6,000, and then upgraded (Level 2 equivalent) for an additional $3,000 (Total $9,000). I. Initial FSD Purchase and Unsafe Performance (Level 1) Upon initial…
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.