NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat Safety Ratings
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 1,031 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category, a significant accomplishment. This result, combined with a complete absence of recalls, anchors its strong Safety Index score of 89/100. However, the vehicle's avoidance-technology sub-score did not match its crash-test performance, and the volume of owner complaints reported to NHTSA is notable. Buyers should consider these factors against its otherwise exceptional crash-test results.
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat ranks 32 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 7.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 1,031 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 32 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat?
A distinctive pattern of owner complaints marks the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat, particularly concerning its Forward Collision Avoidance systems. NHTSA records show 567 complaints specifically targeting this feature, despite the agency listing it as not present on the vehicle. This anomaly is the most significant data point for the 2021 model year. Overall, the 2021 Model Y 5-Seat achieves an 89/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is based in part on a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category, contributing a full 70 out of 70 points to its crash-protection sub-score. Its defect-record sub-score stands at 14 out of 20, bolstered by a record of zero recalls. However, the vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score is only 5 out of 10. While lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard, forward collision warning is listed as not present. The 1,031 total owner complaints filed with NHTSA, some alleging crashes, injuries, and deaths, represent a substantial volume for the model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat achieved a perfect 5-star safety rating from NHTSA across all evaluated categories: overall, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. Its rollover risk is assessed at 8 percent, supported by a "no-tip" result in the dynamic test. Every tested category returned strong results, indicating a comprehensive performance in federal safety assessments.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16054
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat have any recalls?
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. There are no open recall components to flag, no park-outside advisory, and no do-not-drive directive associated with this model year. Buyers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after any vehicle changes hands.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat?
Owners have filed 1,031 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The top alleged problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance, cited in 567 reports, followed by Service Brakes at 182 and Vehicle Speed Control at 158. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, but the volume warrants attention.
1,031 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat?
As a five-year-old vehicle, it is imperative to run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database prior to purchase. While no recalls are currently on file for this model year, new campaigns can be initiated at any time. Prospective buyers should confirm that any previously completed recall remedy is officially documented and independently verify the VIN-specific recall status.
- This model year recorded zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect-record baseline that contributed to the 14/20 defect-record sub-score alongside complaint volume.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-complained-about component for this model year, drawing 567 of 1,031 total unverified NHTSA complaints, even though NHTSA lists forward collision warning as not present in this vehicle.
- The 8 percent rollover risk and dynamic no-tip result are specific NHTSA findings for this model year and represent the lower end of rollover risk among SUVs tested in the same program.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5/10 reflects the absence of factory forward collision warning in this model year, a gap that separates this year's index profile from vehicles that carry a full active-safety suite.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat places
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat safety questions
Was the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 7.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat 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 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1,031 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Model Y 5-Seat years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16054), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model Y 5-Seat 2021.
- 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 32 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.