NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Tesla Model Y BEV Safety Ratings
The 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 271 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect sweep of five-star scores across every NHTSA crash-test category is a rare achievement, and the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV accomplishes it. However, the presence of six active recall campaigns significantly tempers this result, pulling its NHTSA Safety Index to 88/100, which still places it within the "Strong" safety band. The vehicle's defect-record sub-score, at 8/20, indicates a notable history of issues requiring manufacturer correction.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV ranks 77 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.9% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 271 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 77 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV?
The 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV enters the safety record with a Strong Safety Index of 88/100, the first for this refreshed generation. This score is largely driven by its perfect 70/70 in crash protection and 10/10 in avoidance technology. These two categories account for 80 of the 88 total points. The primary detractor from a higher overall score is the defect record sub-score, which stands at 8 out of a possible 20. Six recall campaigns have been filed for the 2026 Model Y. These address issues including missing certification labels, battery contactor failures, inoperative reverse lights, an improperly secured horn ground wire, and potentially loose seat-back fasteners. The seat fastener and battery contactor recalls carry the most significant safety implications, given the potential for loss of drive power and compromised seat integrity. Additionally, 271 unverified owner complaints have been reported. A notable 74 of these specifically concern the Forward Collision Avoidance system, despite its designation as standard equipment and its contribution to the vehicle's high avoidance-tech score. For 2026, the Model Y's Strong rating is anchored by its crash-test performance, but its defect record presents a clear area of concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV achieved the maximum overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes top ratings in the frontal crash, side crash, and rollover categories. The rollover risk was assessed at 9%, with the dynamic tip test resulting in "No Tip." No rated category scored below the maximum in this test cycle.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 22141
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV have any recalls?
Yes, six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include certification labels, battery pack contactors linked to potential loss of drive power, reverse lights that may fail to illuminate, a horn ground wire that may be improperly secured, and seat-back fasteners that may not have been properly installed. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive appears in the data provided, but the battery contactor and seat fastener campaigns warrant prompt attention.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV?
Owners have filed 271 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including a reported 51 crash events and 19 alleged injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified reports are Unknown or Other issues (85 reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (74), Electrical System (40), Steering (35), Lane Departure (26), and Suspension (26).
271 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV?
A significant concern for the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV is its recall record, with six open campaigns. Prospective owners should verify the completion of these remedies, particularly those addressing seat-back fasteners and battery contactors, by utilizing NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2026 Model Y BEV is the first release year tracked under the current MotorCaliber Index, scoring 88/100 Strong, with its only weakness being the defect-record sub-score of 8/20 driven by six recall campaigns filed in this model year alone.
- A recall covering battery pack contactors that may fail and cause loss of drive power is among the six active campaigns specific to this model year and should be verified as remedied on any individual unit.
- A recall covering seat-back fasteners that may not have been properly installed affects 2026 Model Y vehicles and represents a direct occupant-protection concern distinct from the vehicle's otherwise perfect crash-test performance.
- Unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year include 74 allegations targeting the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is listed as standard equipment and contributes to the vehicle's perfect avoidance-tech sub-score, making this complaint cluster worth monitoring as the model year matures.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV places
The 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Tesla Model Y BEV safety questions
Was the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV 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 8.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 271 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Tesla Model Y BEV. 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.
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 22141), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model Y BEV 2026.
- 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 77 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.