NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Tesla Model S Safety Ratings
The 2025 Tesla Model S scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 2 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index places the 2025 Tesla Model S in the Exceptional band, a strong federal safety profile. The model earns perfect marks in crash protection and for its avoidance technology. Its recall record is minimal, with only two issued by federal regulators.
The 2025 Tesla Model S received a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 and a 5-out-of-5 NHTSA rollover star rating, sourced from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration federal data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Tesla Model S ranks 16 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 5.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 16 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Tesla Model S?
The 2025 Tesla Model S posts a Safety Index of 98/100, a four-point rise from the 2024 model year's 94/100, both sitting in the Exceptional band. That upward movement is meaningful: the index breakdown shows a perfect 70/70 for crash protection, a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology, and 18 out of 20 for defect record. The two-point defect-record deduction reflects the two active recall campaigns for this model year. The air bag recall is the more serious of the two, covering a driver-side cushion that could tear on deployment, a potential safety consequence rather than a convenience issue. The back-over prevention software recall is a multi-model campaign also rooted in a real functional concern. Standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control round out a well-equipped avoidance-tech profile. The 5-out-of-5 rollover rating with a 6 percent risk figure is the only NHTSA crash-test result on record; overall, frontal, and side ratings are not rated for this year, which is a factual gap in the federal test record, not a positive or negative signal on its own.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Tesla Model S perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Tesla Model S earns 5 out of 5 stars in rollover resistance, NHTSA's single published crash-test result for the model year. This rating is based on a 6 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. No overall, frontal, or side crash-test ratings are available for the 2025 Model S. Owners and prospective buyers should note that the absence of ratings in these areas precludes any safety inference.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20799
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 Model S. The first involves a back-over prevention software issue affecting the computer circuit board, shared with several other Tesla models. The second, and more consequential, targets the driver-side frontal air bag cushion, which could tear during deployment across 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data, but the air bag issue warrants prompt attention.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Tesla Model S?
Six unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train and Suspension, each with two reported complaints, followed by single allegations involving Steering, Wheels, and Visibility/Wiper systems.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Tesla Model S?
The 2025 Model S carries two open recall campaigns from NHTSA, with the driver air bag tear risk of particular concern. Prospective buyers of this model year should verify the VIN against NHTSA's recall lookup service to confirm both recalls have been remedied.
- The 2025 model year Safety Index rose four points to 98/100 from the 2024 model year's 94/100, the highest recorded Index for this nameplate in the data set.
- A driver-side frontal air bag recall specific to 2021-2025 Model S vehicles is active for this model year, with the cushion at risk of tearing during deployment, making VIN-level remedy verification essential.
- NHTSA has not assigned overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to the 2025 Model S; the only rated dimension is rollover, where it earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars with a 6 percent risk figure.
- Six unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Power Train and Suspension each drawing two alleged reports, and no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities among the filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Tesla Model S places
The 2025 Tesla Model S qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Tesla Model S safety questions
Was the 2025 Tesla Model S crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Tesla Model S, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 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 2025 Tesla Model S crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Tesla Model S have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Tesla Model S. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Tesla Model S?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Tesla Model S. 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.
Other Model S years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20799), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model S 2025.
- 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 16 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.