NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat Safety Ratings
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-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
A perfect five-star sweep across all NHTSA crash-test categories defines the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat's crash protection. Its structural integrity and occupant safeguards are among the strongest demonstrated in the federal data for this model year. This performance, coupled with a clean recall record, contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing the vehicle in the Strong band. While its crashworthiness is exemplary, the assessment of its avoidance technology slightly moderates the overall safety standing.
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat received a five-star overall rating in NHTSA crash testing and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, 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 7-Seat ranks 33 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 | 33 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat?
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat presents a notable disparity between its federal crash-test performance and the volume of owner complaints. The NHTSA NCAP program awarded a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in all four evaluated categories, with a crash-protection sub-score of 70 out of 70. This reflects top-tier performance in simulated impacts. The vehicle's defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 is respectable, strengthened by the absence of any recalls for this model year. This is a significant factor for a vehicle now prevalent in the used market. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 represents the most significant drag on its overall Safety Index of 89 out of 100. Forward collision warning is not listed as present in this configuration, though lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard features. The complaint record for this specific model year stands as the primary area of concern. A total of 1,031 allegations have been reported to NHTSA. Of these, 567 relate to Forward Collision Avoidance, meaning this single component accounts for over half of all filed reports. While these are unverified consumer allegations, their high concentration warrants consideration alongside the vehicle's otherwise strong safety ratings.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat five stars in every tested category: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk is measured at 8 percent with a dynamic no-tip result. No category came back weak or not rated, making this one of the cleaner NCAP sweeps in the dataset.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16056
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 7-Seat have any recalls?
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this specific configuration. While the recall record is clean at this snapshot, used-market shoppers should run a current VIN check, as campaigns can be added after initial publication.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat?
Owners have filed 1,031 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most-alleged problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance, cited in 567 reports. Service Brakes follow at 182, then Vehicle Speed Control at 158 and Electrical System at 136. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
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 7-Seat?
For shoppers considering this model, its zero-recall status is a positive starting point. However, recall campaigns can be issued at any time. It is always prudent to run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase to confirm no new campaigns have been added and that any future remedy has been completed.
- This model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a distinction that sets it apart from many vehicles of comparable age in the used market.
- The NHTSA NCAP program awarded five stars in all four tested categories for this year, with a rollover risk of 8 percent and a dynamic no-tip result.
- Forward collision warning is not present in this configuration, which is the primary reason the avoidance-tech sub-score reaches only 5 out of 10 and limits the Index below 90.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA total 1,031 for this model year, with 567 of those unverified allegations targeting Forward Collision Avoidance specifically, a concentration that is unusually high relative to other components.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat places
The 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat safety questions
Was the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-Seat crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-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 7-Seat crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-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 7-Seat have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-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 7-Seat?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1,031 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Tesla Model Y 7-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 7-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 16056), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model Y 7-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 33 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.