MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2026 Tesla Model Y Bev

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Tesla Model Y Bev

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

6Recalls
271Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TESLA MODEL Y BEV

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a fully electric mid-size SUV competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market. Built for tech-forward families and commuters who want maximum range with everyday practicality, the Model Y sits at the center of Tesla's lineup and continues to rank among the best-selling electric vehicles in the United States.

VERDICT

The 2026 Tesla Model Y Bev earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Model Y for its spacious, minimalist cabin, responsive acceleration, and the practical versatility of its SUV proportions. Most find the ride comfort competitive for the segment and appreciate the over-the-air software updates. Some critics note that interior materials and fit and finish lag behind European rivals at a similar price point, and a few point to an adjustment period required with the touchscreen-centric controls.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 8.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 22141

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record8/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane 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

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V315000

Risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-19-002.

Reported 2026-05-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:FUSES, RELAYS, CONTACTS, AND SHUNTS25V690000

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the battery pack contactors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-16-005.

Reported 2025-10-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING25V658000

Risk: Reverse lights that fail to illuminate reduce visibility and may not alert pedestrians or other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the reverse lights and reverse facia harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-011.

Reported 2025-10-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN25V490000

Risk: An inoperable horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers as needed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla service will replace the steering wheel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed September 23, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-17-009.

Reported 2025-07-28

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V410000

Risk: The seat may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten or replace the seat assembly fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-13-003.

Reported 2025-06-18

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES25V359000

Risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

Reported 2025-05-30

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

271 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

51reported crash
1reported fire
19reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 85Forward Collision Avoidance 74Electrical System 40Steering 35Lane Departure 26Suspension 26

Rivals in SUV (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 22141), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Tesla Model Y Bev 2026. Class rank 81 of 143 in SUV 2026. Methodology · Disclosure