MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV Safety Ratings

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
5Complaints
2Investigations
VERDICT

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Strong safety band. This assessment is largely anchored by a clean recall record and robust NHTSA crash-test scores. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score presents a notable drag on the overall rating. The compiled data indicates a well-supported crash-safety profile for this model year.

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV ranks 49 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index88 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk12.4%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints5 (unverified allegations)
Class rank49 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV?

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV debuts in the MotorCaliber index with an overall Safety Index score of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This initial assessment reveals a vehicle with significant strengths in crash protection and defect management, yet notable deficiencies in active avoidance technology. The Cybertruck achieved a nearly perfect crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. This reflects the 5-out-of-5 star ratings NHTSA published for both frontal and side impact tests. Its rollover rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 12 percent risk figure. The defect-record sub-score stands at an equally robust 19.5 out of 20, bolstered by a record of zero recall campaigns for this model year. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is only 2 out of 10. NHTSA data confirms the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. Electronic stability control is listed as the sole standard active-safety feature. This limited suite of modern driver-assistance systems prevents the Cybertruck from reaching the top Safety Index tier, despite its strong performance in other areas. The current NHTSA complaint database shows 5 unverified owner filings, with the most recent alleged report dated mid-2026. These complaints allege no injuries or fatalities.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV perform in crash tests?

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, performing exceptionally well in impact testing. It achieved perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash categories. The rollover assessment presents a relative weakness, receiving 4 out of 5 stars. This rating corresponds to a 12 percent rollover risk, though dynamic testing resulted in no tip.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 12.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 22075

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record19.5/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV have any recalls?

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this vehicle. Shoppers should still run a VIN check directly through NHTSA, as campaigns can be issued at any time after a model year launches.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV?

NHTSA has logged 5 unverified owner complaints for the 2026 Cybertruck BEV. Alleged problem areas include Steering, Power Train, Electrical System, Structure, and a catch-all Unknown or Other category. One alleged crash is reported among those filings. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.

5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 2Steering 2Power Train 2Electrical System 2Structure 1

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV?

For a current model year, a VIN-specific check through NHTSA's recall database is essential before purchase, as new campaigns can be issued at any point. Confirm any open campaigns have been remedied before taking delivery.

  • The 2026 Cybertruck BEV is the first model year with a NHTSA Safety Index on file, scoring 88 out of 100 in the Strong band, with no prior-year figure available for trend comparison.
  • NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for this specific model year, giving it a near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.5 out of 20.
  • The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the primary index drag, because neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning is listed as present in NHTSA data for this vehicle.
  • Five unverified owner complaints are on file, with alleged issues spanning Steering, Power Train, Electrical System, and Structure, including one alleged crash with no alleged injuries or fatalities reported.

RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV places

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV safety questions

Was the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck BEV. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Rivals in Sedan (2026)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2026 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2026 Acura Integra100/1005 of 50
2026 Acura Integra Type-S100/100not rated0
2026 Honda Accord100/1005 of 50
2026 Lexus IS 350100/100not rated0
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness100/100not rated0
2026 Subaru Impreza100/100not rated0
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 22075), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Cybertruck BEV 2026.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 49 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.