Tesla has had nineteen total vehicle recalls in 2022, affecting 3,769,572 vehicles. While there are plenty of misconceptions and false information floating around about Tesla’s recalls population, there are plenty of truths to be told.
Automotive recalls can be put into effect for some of the most insignificant reasons, but vehicles are required to be as safe as possible and must abide by the NHTSA’s rigorous standards. The goal of the agency is to protect consumers by holding manufacturers accountable, and while recalls are pushed every day, Tesla’s are undoubtedly a focus of media as the company fends off many of the mistakes with software updates.
However, some instances require owners to bring vehicles into a Service Center for repair. This happens less often to Teslas, as many issues can be fixed through a simple firmware download while an owner sleeps.
That still does not stop the narrative regarding Tesla and many other EV makers and nearly-routine OTA updates to fix vehicle issues. Recall definitions have been questioned over the past few years as companies adopt a software-first mentality, contributing to the overall narrative of poor vehicle quality in EVs.
Tesla Recall Misconception #1: The Car Company with the Most Recalls? Not Quite.
Some relatively influential figures have said Tesla recalls cars more frequently than any other company on Earth, but that is not true.
Even with its most recent recall, which fixed over 300,000 cars with faulty tail lights, Tesla is not the most recalled automaker. The NHTSA currently lists Ford Motor Company as the most recalled automotive brand in 2022 thus far.
Ford has issued 63 recalls this year, affecting over 8,000,000 vehicles. This is 21 more recalls than Volkswagen, the automaker with the second-most for the year. VW’s recalls have affected less than 1,000,000 vehicles in the United States.
-
- NHTSA data
-
- NHTSA data
Tesla Recall Misconception #2: How many Tesla recalls actually require physical service?
Of Tesla’s 19 recalls in 2022, 12 were fixed through Over-the-Air software updates, which download and are installed automatically to fix any qualifying issue. Tesla has fixed everything from windshield defrosting issues, to rolling stops for Full Self-Driving, to delays in backup cameras with software updates.
Six of Tesla’s nineteen recalls in 2022 have required physical repairs from Tesla Service. In total, 31,427 cars have been affected by these types of recalls. That is less than 1 percent of Tesla’s total recall population for the year in the United States, NHTSA data shows.
The final recall was a vehicle replacement for a single Model X owner whose unit lacked a body structure reinforcement bracket in the second row of seating.
Tesla Recall Misconception #3: Over-the-Air Updates are not recalls
While the definition of a recall has been called into question by a number of notable people, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, OTA updates do still qualify as recalls, technically.
The NHTSA gave more details to Teslarati in February about what qualifies as a vehicle recall. The agency said manufacturers must disclose an unreasonable safety risk to consumers, vehicle owners, dealers, and others when it is discovered. A recall qualifies as any unreasonable safety risk present in a vehicle, and if it is remedied in any way, even by a software update, it counts as a recall.
Recall definitions are highly controversial, with many notable Tesla community members making light of the situation.
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.
If you have any questions about Tesla recalls, be sure to reach out to me through email. I’ll do my best to clear up any confusion or concerns you might have.
News
Tesla UK sales see 14% year-over-year rebound in June: SMMT data
The SMMT stated that Tesla sales grew 14% year-over-year to 7,719 units in June 2025.
Tesla’s sales in the United Kingdom rose in June, climbing 14% year-over-year to 7,719 units, as per data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The spike in the company’s sales coincided with the first deliveries of the updated Model Y last month.
Model Y deliveries support Tesla’s UK recovery
Tesla’s June performance marked one of its strongest months in the UK so far this year, with new Model Y deliveries contributing significantly to the company’s momentum.
While the SMMT listed Tesla with 7,719 deliveries in June, independent data from New AutoMotive suggested that the electric vehicle maker registered 7,891 units during the month instead. However, year-to-date figures for Tesla remain 2% down compared to 2024, as per a report from Reuters.
While Tesla made a strong showing in June, rivals are also growing. Chinese automaker BYD saw UK sales rise nearly fourfold to 2,498 units, while Ford posted the highest EV growth among major automakers, with a more than fourfold increase in the first half of 2025.
Overall, the UK’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) demand surged 39% to to 47,354 units last month, helping push total new car sales in the UK to 191,316 units, up 6.7% from the same period in 2024.
EV adoption accelerates, but concerns linger
June marked the best month for UK car sales since 2019, though the SMMT cautioned that growth in the electric vehicle sector remains heavily dependent on discounting and support programs. Still, one in four new vehicle buyers in June chose a battery electric vehicle.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes noted that despite strong BEV demand, sales levels are still below regulatory targets. “Further growth in sales, and the sector will rely on increased and improved charging facilities to boost mainstream electric vehicle adoption,” Hawes stated.
Also taking effect this week was a new US-UK trade deal, which lowers tariffs on UK car exports to the United States from 27.5% to 10%. The agreement could benefit UK-based EV producers aiming to expand across the country.
News
Tesla Model 3 ranks as the safest new car in Europe for 2025, per Euro NCAP tests
Despite being on the market longer than many of its rivals, the Tesla Model 3 continues to set the bar for vehicle safety.
The Tesla Model 3 has been named the safest new car on sale in 2025, according to the latest results from the Euro NCAP. Among 20 newly tested vehicles, the Model 3 emerged at the top of the list, scoring an impressive 359 out of 400 possible points across all major safety categories.
Tesla Model 3’s safety systems
Despite being on the market longer than many of its rivals, the Tesla Model 3 continues to set the bar for vehicle safety. Under Euro NCAP’s stricter 2025 testing protocols, the electric sedan earned 90% for adult occupant protection, 93% for child occupant protection, 89% for pedestrian protection, and 87% for its Safety Assist systems.
The updated Model 3 received particular praise for its advanced driver assistance features, including Tesla’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which performed well across various test scenarios. Its Intelligent Speed Assistance and child presence detection system were cited as noteworthy features as well, as per a WhatCar report.
Other notable safety features include the Model 3’s pedestrian-friendly pop-up hood and robust crash protection for both front and side collisions. Euro NCAP also highlighted the Model 3’s ability to detect vulnerable road users during complex maneuvers, such as turning across oncoming traffic.
Euro NCAP’s Autopilot caution
While the Model 3’s safety scores were impressive across the board, Euro NCAP did raise concerns about driver expectations of Tesla’s Autopilot system. The organization warned that some owners may overestimate the system’s capabilities, potentially leading to misuse or inattention behind the wheel. Even so, the Model 3 remained the highest-scoring vehicle tested under Euro NCAP’s updated criteria this year.
The Euro NCAP’s concerns are also quite interesting because Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised, which is arguably the company’s most robust safety suite, is not allowed for public rollout in Europe yet. FSD Supervised would allow the Model 3 to navigate inner city streets with only minimal human supervision.
Other top scorers included the Volkswagen ID.7, Polestar 3, and Geely EX5, but none matched the Model 3’s total score or consistency across categories. A total of 14 out of 20 newly tested cars earned five stars, while several models, including the Kia EV3, MG ZS, and Renault 5, fell short of the top rating.
Elon Musk
Why Tesla’s Q3 could be one of its biggest quarters in history
Tesla could stand to benefit from the removal of the $7,500 EV tax credit at the end of Q3.
Tesla has gotten off to a slow start in 2025, as the first half of the year has not been one to remember from a delivery perspective.
However, Q3 could end up being one of the best the company has had in history, with the United States potentially being a major contributor to what might reverse a slow start to the year.
Earlier today, the United States’ House of Representatives officially passed President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” after it made its way through the Senate earlier this week. The bill will head to President Trump, as he looks to sign it before his July 4 deadline.
The Bill will effectively bring closure to the $7,500 EV tax credit, which will end on September 30, 2025. This means, over the next three months in the United States, those who are looking to buy an EV will have their last chance to take advantage of the credit. EVs will then be, for most people, $7,500 more expensive, in essence.
The tax credit is available to any single filer who makes under $150,000 per year, $225,000 a year to a head of household, and $300,000 to couples filing jointly.
Ending the tax credit was expected with the Trump administration, as his policies have leaned significantly toward reliance on fossil fuels, ending what he calls an “EV mandate.” He has used this phrase several times in disagreements with Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Nevertheless, those who have been on the fence about buying a Tesla, or any EV, for that matter, will have some decisions to make in the next three months. While all companies will stand to benefit from this time crunch, Tesla could be the true winner because of its sheer volume.
If things are done correctly, meaning if Tesla can also offer incentives like 0% APR, special pricing on leasing or financing, or other advantages (like free Red, White, and Blue for a short period of time in celebration of Independence Day), it could see some real volume in sales this quarter.
You can now buy a Tesla in Red, White, and Blue for free until July 14 https://t.co/iAwhaRFOH0
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) July 3, 2025
Tesla is just a shade under 721,000 deliveries for the year, so it’s on pace for roughly 1.4 million for 2025. This would be a decrease from the 1.8 million cars it delivered in each of the last two years. Traditionally, the second half of the year has produced Tesla’s strongest quarters. Its top three quarters in terms of deliveries are Q4 2024 with 495,570 vehicles, Q4 2023 with 484,507 vehicles, and Q3 2024 with 462,890 vehicles.
Tesla UK sales see 14% year-over-year rebound in June: SMMT data
Tesla Model 3 ranks as the safest new car in Europe for 2025, per Euro NCAP tests
Why Tesla’s Q3 could be one of its biggest quarters in history
-
Elon Musk4 days agoTesla investors will be shocked by Jim Cramer’s latest assessment
-
News1 week agoTesla Robotaxi’s biggest challenge seems to be this one thing
-
Elon Musk2 weeks agoFirst Look at Tesla’s Robotaxi App: features, design, and more
-
News2 weeks agoWatch Tesla’s first driverless public Robotaxi rides in Texas
-
News2 weeks agoSpaceX and Elon Musk share insights on Starship Ship 36’s RUD
-
News1 week agoWatch the first true Tesla Robotaxi intervention by safety monitor
-
News2 weeks agoTesla has started rolling out initial round of Robotaxi invites
-
Elon Musk2 weeks agoTesla to launch in India in July with vehicles already arriving: report