Technical methods described herein include an emissions control system for treating exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. The emissions control system includes a three-reaction oxygen storage model. The system further includes a three-way catalyst and a controller that controls an oxygen storage level for the three-way catalyst. The controller determines a first reaction rate representing a net rate of cerium oxidation by oxygen, a second reaction rate representing a net rate of cerium reduction by carbon monoxide, and a third reaction rate representing a net rate of cerium reduction by hydrogen. The controller further determines the oxygen storage level based on the first reaction rate, the second reaction rate, and the third reaction rate.