Makes›Tesla›Model 3›2022

2022 Tesla Model 3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

Tesla Model 3
Pictured: Tesla Model 3 (2023) Autofrühling Ulm IMG 9282. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Long Range AWD, 4dr Sedan Long Range RWD, 4dr Sedan Mid Range, 4dr Sedan Standard
Engines
Electric motor
Transmission
1-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV
EV range
358 mi · 10 h on 240 V
Length
184.6 in
Curb weight
3,627–4,072 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
18 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Long EV rangeUp to 358 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints773 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 1 for similar models — most often about the forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control.
  • 18 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,072 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range AWD).

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 358 miles and takes about 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 18 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 773 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.

What changed for 2022

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Model 3 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Model 3 →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain–Electric motor
Transmission1-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2022 Model 3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Long Range AWD184.6 in72.8 in56.7 in113.4 in63 / 62.6 in4,072 lb48/52
4dr Sedan Long Range RWD184.6 in72.8 in56.7 in113.4 in63 / 62.6 in3,805 lb48/52
4dr Sedan Mid Range184.6 in72.8 in56.7 in113.4 in63 / 62.6 in3,686 lb48/52
4dr Sedan Standard184.6 in72.8 in56.7 in113.4 in63 / 62.6 in3,627 lb47/53

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model 3 RWD EV192 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive272 mi · 25.4929 kWh/100mi–$550–
Model 3 Long Range AWD EV98 and 195 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive358 mi · 25.8238 kWh/100mi–$600–
Model 3 Performance AWD EV131 and 190 kW AC 3-PhaseAutomatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive315 mi · 29.9572 kWh/100mi–$650–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $9,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.1 MPG2022 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★6.6%
2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★6.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD
Side crash test — 2022 Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Tesla Model 3 (this car)358 mi★★★★★18
2022 BMW 3 Series30 MPG★★★★★0
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2022 Lexus IS25 MPGNot rated1
2022 Audi A429 MPGNot rated3
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class29 MPGNot rated0
2022 Audi A626 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (18)

Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V507000 · 20,349 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Back Over Prevention › Software · May 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V283000 · 218,868 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Dec 17, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V935000 · 696,281 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Jul 24, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V554000 · 1,849,638 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V153000 · 6,557 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Oct 21, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V798000 · 24,064 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Sep 19, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V702000 · 1,096,762 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit · May 3, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V296000 · 129,960 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Apr 18, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V263000 · 48,184 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 12, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V235000 · 594,894 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert · Feb 4, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V063000 · 578,607 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 2, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V050000 · 26,681 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Front · Feb 1, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V045000 · 817,143 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Jan 27, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · 53,822 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Tesla Model 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

773Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
57Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
47Injuries reported
5,200 miTypical mileage at failure
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control389
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking308
Service Brakes168
Vehicle Speed Control165
Unknown Or Other94
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings93
Electrical System50
Steering39
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 824/11: 224/12: 825/01: 825/02: 625/03: 525/04: 125/05: 625/06: 425/07: 325/08: 725/09: 825/10: 625/11: 525/12: 226/02: 626/03: 126/04: 326/05: 426/06: 526/07: 526/08: 1226/09: 226/10: 824/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0226/0526/08max 12

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Tesla Model 3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 18 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 389 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  3. Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 308 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Service Brakes — 168 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 358 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Tesla Model 3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Model 3 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Model 3316 mi–Not rated00
2026 Model 3363 mi185.8 inNot rated129
2025 Model 3363 mi185.8 inNot rated3122
2024 Model 3363 mi185.8 inNot rated5222
2023 Model 3358 mi184.6 in★★★★★12428
2021 Model 3353 mi184.6 in★★★★★22673
2020 Model 3330 mi184.6 in★★★★★21452
2019 Model 3310 mi184.6 in★★★★★22620
2018 Model 3310 mi184.6 in★★★★★191,034
2017 Model 3310 mi–Not rated1627

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →