MODEL
Tesla Model S BEV Safety
NHTSA safety across every Tesla Model S BEV model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Tesla Model S BEV we cover (2026 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 92 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The 2026 Tesla Model S is a full-size all-electric luxury sedan aimed squarely at tech-forward buyers who want premium performance without sacrificing range or sophistication. Competing against established German flagships, the Model S has long been Tesla's halo product, and the 2026 edition carries that reputation into a segment where safety expectations are exceptionally high.
The 2026 Tesla Model S achieves an Exceptional rating of 92 out of 100 on MotorCaliber's NHTSA Safety Index, positioning it in the highest tier of our assessment. This score is particularly notable for a vehicle in the competitive luxury segment. A perfect 5 out of 5 stars for rollover risk confirms the inherent stability of its low-mounted battery pack. However, frontal and side crash-test ratings for the 2026 model year are not yet published by NHTSA. Consumers should track official updates as these results become available. The vehicle's recall record stands clean, with zero recalls documented. Owner complaints for the 2026 Model S total only three, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among these submissions. While NHTSA complaints are unverified allegations, this low volume of filings is a positive indicator. The available safety data for the 2026 Model S is robust, highlighted by its Exceptional Safety Index score and an unblemished recall history. Final purchasing decisions should await the full release of frontal and side crash-test star ratings.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Model S as one of the most refined and technologically advanced luxury sedans on the market, praising its smooth, planted driving dynamics, upscale cabin materials, and commanding acceleration. Some note that the minimalist interior, centered on a large touchscreen, requires an adjustment period, and a few reviewers flag that the over-the-air software ecosystem, while impressive, demands familiarity to use confidently day to day.
- The 2026 Model S earns a 92 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is the highest tier MotorCaliber tracks.
- Rollover protection is rated a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, a result consistent with the structural benefit of a floor-mounted battery pack that keeps the center of gravity very low.
- Frontal and side crash-test star ratings are not yet available for the 2026 model year, so shoppers should check NHTSA's website for updates before purchase.
- The 2026 Model S carries zero recalls and only three owner complaints on record, with none of those complaints involving a crash, fire, injury, or death, though all NHTSA complaints remain unverified allegations.