NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Tesla Model Y Safety Ratings
The 2023 Tesla Model Y scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 17 recalls, and 1,084 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Tesla Model Y achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, placing it in the Strong safety band. However, this safety profile is significantly offset by 16 recall campaigns. Further tempering the safety assessment is a substantial volume of owner complaints.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 and a five-star NHTSA overall crash-test rating, according to 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 ranks 94 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 | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 7.9% |
| Recalls on file | 17 |
| Owner complaints | 1,084 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 94 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
A perfect 70 out of 70 in crash-protection scoring and a clean sweep of five-star ratings across overall, frontal, side, and rollover categories demonstrate the 2023 Tesla Model Y's robust performance in impact scenarios. Avoidance technology also contributes a full 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. However, the defect record sub-score, a mere 2.5 out of a possible 20, significantly impacts the overall Safety Index, pulling it to 83. This low score directly reflects 16 recall campaigns issued for this model year. These recalls address issues ranging from software-governed systems like back-over prevention and tire pressure monitoring to a steering circuit board and a physical component in the hood latch. The 1,084 unverified owner complaints further underscore concerns, with 460 specifically alleging problems with Forward Collision Avoidance. While the 83 index places the 2023 Model Y in the Strong band, its outstanding crash results are distinctly offset by an unusually active recall and complaint record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Tesla Model Y perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Tesla Model Y received the highest possible ratings from NHTSA in all safety categories. The vehicle achieved an overall star rating, in frontal crash protection, in side crash protection, and for rollover protection. Its rollover risk was assessed at 8 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19946
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 have any recalls?
Yes, 16 recall campaigns cover this model year. Named components include back-over prevention software, electric power assist steering (circuit board issue, OTA fix available), a separate back-over prevention circuit board concern, tire pressure monitoring systems (OTA fix), and hood latch assembly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS26V507000
Risk: Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the headlights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Reported 2026-08-05
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V283000
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Reported 2026-05-05
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM25V092000
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.
Reported 2025-02-14
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V002000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall
Reported 2025-01-07
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS24V935000
Risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Reported 2024-12-17
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH24V554000
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Reported 2024-07-24
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES24V376000
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Reported 2024-05-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V051000
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Reported 2024-01-30
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V035000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.
Reported 2024-01-22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE23V838000
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Reported 2023-12-12
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V489000
Risk: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.
Reported 2023-07-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY23V434000
Risk: A defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle's high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury.
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.
Reported 2023-06-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
Owners have filed 1,084 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported crashes, injuries, and one reported death. The most frequently alleged problem component is Forward Collision Avoidance with 460 reported complaints, followed by Steering at 191, Vehicle Speed Control at 163, and Service Brakes at 150. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
1,084 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
With 16 recall campaigns on record for the 2023 Tesla Model Y, including those eligible for over-the-air software fixes, prospective buyers should verify a specific vehicle's recall compliance through NHTSA's database before purchase. Confirming applied remedies is a critical pre-transaction step.
- The 2023 Tesla Model Y achieved a perfect five-star NHTSA rating in every tested category, including overall, frontal, side, and rollover, with a rollover risk of 8 percent and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Sixteen recall campaigns are tied to this specific model year, covering components ranging from back-over prevention software and steering circuit boards to hood latch hardware and tire pressure monitoring systems.
- The defect record sub-score of 2.5 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 83/100 Safety Index, meaning the gap between this vehicle's crash-test excellence and its overall index score is almost entirely explained by recall activity.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the most frequently cited component in the 1,084 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year, with 460 reported allegations, a concentration that prospective owners should note given that the system is also implicated in one of the recall campaigns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Tesla Model Y places
The 2023 Tesla Model Y qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Tesla Model Y safety questions
Was the 2023 Tesla Model Y crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Tesla Model Y, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2023 Tesla Model Y crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Tesla Model Y 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 2023 Tesla Model Y have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 17 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Tesla Model Y?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1,084 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. 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 years
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 Early 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 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19946), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Tesla Model Y 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 94 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.