NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Tesla Model S Safety Ratings
The 2024 Tesla Model S scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 6 recalls, and 38 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Tesla Model S achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 94 out of 100. This strong performance is primarily driven by perfect results in both crash protection and avoidance technology assessments. The vehicle's defect record, while moderately weighted in our calculations, is the sole factor preventing a higher overall score, though its impact is minor. The aggregated data indicates a highly safe offering for this model year.
The 2024 Tesla Model S holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Tesla Model S ranks 27 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 5.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 38 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 27 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Tesla Model S?
The 2024 Tesla Model S represents a meaningful step forward on the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing seven points from the 2023 model year's score of 87/100 (Strong) to 94/100 (Exceptional). That jump moves the vehicle across a full band boundary, a relatively rare shift. The index architecture explains the gain: crash protection and avoidance technology each score at their respective ceilings, 70 out of 70 and 10 out of 10, with all three avoidance features rated Standard. What holds the composite below a perfect mark is the defect record component, which lands at 13.75 out of 20, reflecting the weight of six recall campaigns active against this model year. Three of those campaigns involve air bag systems, including one covering a driver air bag cushion that could tear during deployment, a concern with direct occupant-protection implications. The hood latch and seat belt warning recalls round out a defect profile that is broader than ideal for a vehicle at this price point. The rollover rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the only NHTSA crash-test star result available; frontal and side ratings are absent because NHTSA has not tested those configurations for this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Tesla Model S perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Tesla Model S was not assigned overall, frontal, or side star ratings by NHTSA. Those critical safety dimensions remain unrated. The agency did test the Model S for rollover risk, where it achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. This rating reflects a 6 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19952
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. The 2024 Tesla Model S is tied to five recall campaigns covering: an incorrect air bag horn pad, a computer circuit board affecting back-over prevention software, a driver air bag cushion that could tear during deployment, a hood latch assembly that may fail, and a front seat belt warning system. Two campaigns carry OTA software fixes. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory appears in the data, but the air bag tear risk warrants prompt attention.
AIR BAGS25V172000
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Reported 2025-03-19
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V002000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall
Reported 2025-01-07
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION24V967000
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
Reported 2024-12-24
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH24V554000
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Reported 2024-07-24
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES24V376000
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Reported 2024-05-28
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR23V743000
Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
Reported 2023-11-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Tesla Model S?
Owners have filed 38 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports tied to Unknown or Other issues (23), Lane Departure (19), Electrical System (7), and Steering (4). Two alleged crashes and one alleged injury appear in the filings. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
38 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Tesla Model S?
The 2024 Tesla Model S presents a mixed safety profile, underscored by a notable recall record. Shoppers of this model year should verify recall completion, as five distinct campaigns have been issued. Of particular concern are recall actions addressing the air bag and hood latch systems. The air bag cushion tear recall, for instance, is not addressed by an over-the-air software update, necessitating a physical service visit. Ensuring all applicable remedies have been completed is a critical step for any prospective owner.
- The 2024 model year Safety Index of 94/100 is seven points above the 2023 model year's 87/100, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, driven by perfect crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- Three of the six recall campaigns for this model year involve air bag systems, including a driver air bag cushion that NHTSA identifies as potentially tearing during deployment, a direct occupant-safety concern.
- NHTSA has tested rollover for this model year and awarded 5 out of 5 stars with a 6 percent rollover risk, but overall, frontal, and side crash-test star ratings are not rated for the 2024 model year.
- Nineteen of the 38 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year are categorized under Lane Departure, making it the most frequently alleged specific component concern reported by owners of this year's vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Tesla Model S places
The 2024 Tesla Model S qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Tesla Model S safety questions
Was the 2024 Tesla Model S crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Tesla Model S, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2024 Tesla Model S crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Tesla Model S 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 2024 Tesla Model S have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Tesla Model S. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Tesla Model S?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 38 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Tesla Model S. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Model S years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19952), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model S 2024.
- 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 27 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- 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.