NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Tesla Model S BEV Safety Ratings
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV achieves an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, driven by a perfect defect-record sub-score and the absence of any recalls. This robust safety profile is notable, particularly given the strong overall rating. However, a significant area for potential owners to consider is the vehicle's near-zero score in avoidance technology, presenting a clear gap in its otherwise strong safety performance.
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 and a 5-out-of-5 NHTSA rollover star rating, 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 Model S BEV ranks 34 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 5.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV?
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV achieves an Exceptional Safety Index of 92 out of 100, driven by its structural integrity and an unblemished recall record. The crash-protection sub-score is a perfect 70 out of 70, indicating top performance in impact scenarios. Further bolstering its score, the defect-record sub-score also reaches a maximum of 20 out of 20, reflecting zero recall campaigns issued for this model year. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score stands at a low 2 out of 10. NHTSA data confirms the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, with electronic stability control being the only active-safety feature credited. This omission significantly impacts the overall Safety Index, preventing a higher final score despite the strong crash protection and perfect defect record. Three unverified owner complaints, though a small sample, report issues related to Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control, aligning with the concerns raised by the avoidance technology assessment. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparison.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV achieved a 5-star rollover rating from NHTSA, with a 6 percent risk of rollover and a passing dynamic tip result. This is the only star rating NHTSA has published for the model year. Overall, frontal, and side impact protection remain unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 22073
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV have any recalls?
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be opened at any time after a model year launches.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Model S BEV. The top alleged components are Forward Collision Avoidance, cited in two reports, followed by single allegations each touching Vehicle Speed Control, Lane Departure, and Service Brakes. These are unverified claims, not confirmed defects.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV?
As a current-model-year vehicle, the immediate VIN-check burden is low; there are no recalls on file. However, recall campaigns can be opened at any point, so any shopper should verify recall status through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and confirm any future remedy has been completed before taking delivery.
- The 2026 Model S BEV holds zero NHTSA recall campaigns, contributing a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score to its 92/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA has not yet issued overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for this model year; only the rollover rating of 5 out of 5 stars is available.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score is 2 out of 10 because this configuration lacks both forward collision warning and lane departure warning, which meaningfully caps the overall Safety Index despite strong scores elsewhere.
- Three unverified NHTSA complaints on file for this model year allege issues with Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control, components that align with the low avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV places
The 2026 Tesla Model S BEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Tesla Model S BEV safety questions
Was the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV earned 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 5.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Tesla Model S 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 Model S BEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Tesla Model S BEV. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 22073), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model S 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 34 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.