NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release Safety Ratings
The 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release scores 100 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release distinguishes itself with a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100, placing it squarely in our Exceptional band. This assessment reflects a comprehensive achievement: a clean recall record, no owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and a full five-star rating in every federal crash-test category. The published data indicates an exemplary safety performance for this model year.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 100/100 and a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release ranks 3 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 | 100 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release sets a benchmark with a Safety Index of 100 out of 100, reflecting a complete absence of recall campaigns and owner complaints recorded by NHTSA. This perfect defect record contributes 20 out of 20 points to the overall score. Crash protection earned 70 out of 70 points, supported by a 10% rollover risk and no dynamic tip events during federal testing. Its avoidance technology also scored a full 10 out of 10 points, attributed to the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all units. This comprehensive safety profile, as assessed by federal data, leaves no room for improvement within our current methodology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release achieved a complete five-star rating from NHTSA across all evaluated crash-test categories. This includes five stars for overall, frontal, side, and rollover performance. The vehicle presents a 10% rollover risk, with no dynamic tip event recorded during testing. No category showed weak performance or lacked a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20083
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release have any recalls?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be opened at any time after a model year closes.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release?
NHTSA has zero owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged. There are no top complaint components to report. All NHTSA complaint data represents unverified consumer allegations, and the absence of complaints is itself a data point worth noting.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release?
A current lack of recalls offers a positive signal for used-market shoppers; however, recall campaigns can be initiated after a model year concludes. Before purchasing, buyers should use NHTSA's free VIN lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been opened and that any necessary repairs have been completed without charge.
- All three NHTSA crash-test subcategories, frontal, side, and rollover, returned five stars for this specific 2023 Early Release variant, with a rollover risk of 10% and no dynamic tip event recorded.
- The defect-record component of the Safety Index scores a perfect 20 out of 20, reflecting zero recall campaigns and zero NHTSA complaints on file for this model year.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are listed as standard equipment on this variant, which is why the avoidance-technology sub-score reaches its maximum of 10 out of 10 regardless of trim.
- No prior-year Safety Index exists for this Early Release configuration, so the 100/100 score cannot be compared to a previous baseline, but the score itself represents the ceiling of the MotorCaliber methodology.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release places
The 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release safety questions
Was the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release 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 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release 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 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Volvo Xc90 B5 | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20083), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release 2023.
- 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 3 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.