MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Tesla Model Y

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Tesla Model Y

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

5Recalls
288Complaints
7Investigations
ABOUT THE TESLA MODEL Y

The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that has become one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, targeting tech-forward families and commuters who want zero-emission driving without sacrificing cargo space or practicality. Offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, it sits at the center of Tesla's lineup and competes directly against the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and traditional compact SUVs.

VERDICT

The 2024 Tesla Model Y earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an exceptional 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 5 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, practical interior, strong real-world range, and the seamless integration of Tesla's technology ecosystem. Performance across trim levels draws consistent approval. Critics tend to point to inconsistent build quality and the unconventional ownership experience as areas where the Model Y trails more established rivals in overall polish.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 7.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19951

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record10.5/20
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

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

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER24V886000

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

Remedy: Tesla service will replace the seat assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-13-004.

Reported 2024-11-22

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

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

62reported crash
4reported fire
54reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 110Back Over Prevention 60Electrical System 55Unknown Or Other 44Lane Departure 43Vehicle Speed Control 33

Other Model Y years

Rivals in SUV (2024)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 19951), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Tesla Model Y 2024. Class rank 28 of 144 in SUV 2024. Methodology · Disclosure