MODEL
Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release
NHTSA safety across every Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release we cover (2023 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release is a fully electric compact SUV aimed at tech-forward families and eco-conscious commuters who want a practical five-seat crossover without sacrificing performance or advanced driver-assistance features. Slotting into one of the most competitive segments in the American market, this rear-wheel-drive variant represents Tesla's entry point into the Model Y lineup for the 2023 model year.
At MotorCaliber, we build our assessments on federal NHTSA data, and the 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release delivers a safety picture that is genuinely difficult to fault. This vehicle earned a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, placing it firmly in our Exceptional band. That score is backed by five-star ratings across every tested category: frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. Achieving a clean sweep at the highest level in all three disciplines is rare, and shoppers should recognize that as a meaningful distinction rather than routine marketing language. Equally notable is the recall count for the covered 2023 model year: zero. No NHTSA-initiated or manufacturer-issued recalls appear in our dataset for this variant. Owner complaint data is similarly clean, with zero complaints logged, including zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. We always note that complaint figures represent unverified owner allegations, but the absence of any such filings is still a positive signal for a model in its early release window. The honest bottom line here is straightforward. On every safety metric MotorCaliber tracks for the 2023 model year, this vehicle performs at the top of its class. Shoppers prioritizing crash protection and a clean regulatory record will find little reason for hesitation in this data.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Tesla Model Y as one of the stronger entries in the electric compact SUV segment, praising its acceleration, technology integration, and spacious interior. Most acknowledge that the driving experience is distinctive compared to traditional crossovers, and opinions on Tesla's software-driven approach to features tend to vary depending on the reviewer's priorities.
- The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release earned a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, with five-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash testing, placing it in the Exceptional band.
- No recalls have been issued for this specific 2023 model year variant in the NHTSA data we cover, which is a notably clean record for any early-release vehicle.
- Zero owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. While complaint data represents unverified allegations, an empty record across all categories is worth noting.
- As an early-release variant, this model year covers a specific production window. Shoppers should confirm that the VIN of any vehicle they consider falls within the 2023 coverage period to ensure these safety ratings and recall records apply directly to their purchase.