Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2022 Tesla Model S
The 2022 Tesla Model S is a ev that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.4/10, while Reliability at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 5.5/10 for reliability, this ev trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.8/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining evs to actually drive. On technology it rates 9.4/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $75,190–$101,324, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model S sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Tesla Model S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and reliability if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good ev should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among EVs
The 2022 Tesla Model S ranks #143 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 47% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $75,190 starting price is about 43% above the segment's median of $52,750.
$0 — 20 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Model S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Tesla Model S scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.5 — and starts roughly $7,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 120 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Tesla Model S (20 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
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…
Electrical system / Software 01/02/2022 · 22V045000
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…
Electrical system / Software 02/02/2022 · 22V050000
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…
Electrical system / Software 04/02/2022 · 22V063000
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…
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.
Showing 5 of 20 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2022 Tesla Model S that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2022 Tesla Model S
Is the 2022 Tesla Model S reliable?
We rate the 2022 Tesla Model S's reliability 5.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 20 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2022 Tesla Model S have?
20 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model S worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #143 of 268 evs in our database (better than 47% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2022 Tesla Model S cost?
The 2022 Tesla Model S starts at $75,190 and ranges up to $101,324 across trims (MSRP when new). At 120 MPG, expect roughly $438/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Model S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Model S years we've rated are 2016 (7.2/10), 2015 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.7/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2022 Tesla Model S have?
The documented issues for the 2022 Tesla Model S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Air bags, Back over prevention, Visibility (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Tesla Model S
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Similar EV to Consider
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
