2022 Tesla Model Y — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
EV

2022 Tesla Model Y

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $42,290–$52,023
Fuel Economy 118 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category EV
Est. Annual Fuel $445/yr
The 2022 Tesla Model Y scores 7.4/10 at Carivo, ranking #176 of 268 evs, with 19 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $445/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2022 Tesla Model Y

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleEV
Base Price$42,290–$52,023

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Tesla Model Y

The 2022 Tesla Model Y is a ev that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.9/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.1/10 for reliability, this ev trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. On safety, it scores 8.7/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. On technology it rates 8.9/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.

Priced from $42,290–$52,023, 118 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model Y sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. At 7.0/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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: The 2022 Tesla Model Y sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

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 Y ranks #176 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $42,290 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 20%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking → · Best EVs under $50k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Tesla Model Y

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$2,225 ($445/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 19 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries 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 Y Year Should You Buy?

Across the Model Y model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.5/10$46,339 Read review →
2025 7.5/10$46,339 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$44,990 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$43,640 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.4/10$42,290
2021 7.4/10$40,940 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$39,591 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Tesla Model Y

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
  • Exceptional fuel efficiency at 118 MPG — among the best in its class

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Tesla Model Y (19 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.

Electrical system / Adas / Autonomous/self driving / Software
27/01/2022 · 22V037000
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…
Suspension
21/11/2021 · 21V912000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate.
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…

Showing 5 of 19 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Own a 2022 Tesla Model Y 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 Y

Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y reliable?

We rate the 2022 Tesla Model Y's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 19 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 Y have?

19 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 Y worth buying?

It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #176 of 268 evs in our database (better than 35% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model Y cost?

The 2022 Tesla Model Y starts at $42,290 and ranges up to $52,023 across trims (MSRP when new). At 118 MPG, expect roughly $445/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Model Y years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 7 Model Y model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

What problems does the 2022 Tesla Model Y have?

The documented issues for the 2022 Tesla Model Y are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Suspension, 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 Y

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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