What is the true cost of owning a 2022 Tesla Model 3?

Across 1 real listing analyzed, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 averages a Revvaro Score of 82.0 out of 100 (Great Buy). That score weighs the asking price against projected depreciation, expected maintenance and known model-specific faults.

What are the common problems with a 2022 Tesla Model 3?

Owners have filed 749 complaints with NHTSA for the 2022 Tesla Model 3. The most-reported area is Forward Collision Avoidance with 526 complaints.

Are there any recalls on the 2022 Tesla Model 3?

Yes — NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the 2022 Tesla Model 3.

2022 Tesla Model 3: what it really costs to own

Built from 1 real listing Revvaro has analyzed, combined with federal NHTSA complaint and recall records and EPA fuel economy data. No listing prices or personal details are published.
Based on a single vehicle so far — treat the figures below as indicative rather than a market average.

Average Revvaro Score 82.0/100 Great Buy

Typical asking price $20,899

Typical mileage 30,314 mi

NHTSA complaints 749 filed by owners

What owners actually report

Straight from the NHTSA complaints database for the 2022 Tesla Model 3 — not an estimate.

Forward Collision Avoidance 526

Vehicle Speed Control 169

Service Brakes 167

Unknown Or Other 88

Electrical System 55

Lane Departure 44

Steering 32

Visibility/wiper 15

Open recalls

17 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE Software fix
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Software fix
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."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Software fix
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, "Wi
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Software fix
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, "Min
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE Software fix
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, "Min
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL Software fix
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."

Common issues and what they cost

Upper control arm ball joint squeak / wear $350 - $900

Front upper control arm ball joints can dry out or develop play, causing squeaks over bumps and vague steering. Road grit and water intrusion accelerate wear. If ignored, tire wear and alignment drift increase; replacement arms typically resolve it.
Cabin air filter and HVAC odor (mildew) $150 - $350

The Model 3 HVAC can trap moisture on the evaporator, leading to a musty smell and reduced airflow. It’s common in humid climates or short trips. Replacing cabin filters and cleaning the evaporator coil usually restores normal odor and performance.
12V battery degradation $150 - $400

The low-voltage battery can weaken with age and frequent cycling, triggering warnings, intermittent electronics issues, or no-start conditions even though the high-voltage pack is fine. Proactive replacement prevents unexpected lockouts and reduces nuisance alerts.
Brake caliper slide pin sticking / uneven pad wear $200 - $900

Because regenerative braking reduces friction-brake use, caliper slide pins can corrode and pads may glaze, causing uneven wear, noise, or dragging. Cleaning and lubricating the hardware and servicing pads/rotors helps; severe cases need new pads/rotors.
Wind noise / water leak from door glass or trunk seals $150 - $800

Seal compression, slight body alignment shifts, or debris on weatherstrips can cause wind noise or minor water intrusion around doors or trunk. Adjusting glass alignment, replacing worn seals, and reseating trim typically fixes it before it damages interior materials.

Depreciation outlook

Value today	$20,899
In one year	$18,400 -12%
In three years	$15,600 -25%

Looking at a specific Tesla Model 3?

This page is the average. Run the exact listing you're considering and get its own score, recon estimate and depreciation forecast.

Analyze your listing free

Fault and recall data comes from the federal NHTSA databases and fuel economy from the EPA. Cost and depreciation figures are modeled on top of those records and are estimates for guidance only, not an appraisal or inspection. Always arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection before buying.