MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
1,031Complaints
14Investigations
ABOUT THE TESLA MODEL Y 7-SEAT

The Tesla Model Y 7-Seat is a compact electric SUV that punches into the mainstream family hauler segment with a third-row option that broadens its appeal to households needing flexible cargo and passenger space. Aimed squarely at tech-forward families and EV converts shopping for a practical daily driver, it competes against both traditional crossovers and a growing field of electric alternatives.

VERDICT

The 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Model Y as one of the more compelling entries in the compact SUV segment, praising its driving dynamics, interior technology, and over-the-air software capability. Most acknowledge that the third-row seat is best suited for children or short trips. Build quality and service accessibility are recurring discussion points, though reviewers consistently highlight the Model Y's strong real-world safety credentials.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 7.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16056

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

1,031 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

85reported crash
6reported fire
25reported injuries
4reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 567Service Brakes 182Vehicle Speed Control 158Electrical System 136Unknown Or Other 131Steering 81

Other Model Y 7-Seat years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 16056), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Tesla Model Y 7-Seat 2021. Class rank 34 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure