Brand hub ยท IIHS data updated 2026-09-03
Tesla Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current Tesla model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used Tesla models where the data exists.
See every Tesla rankedThe safest current Tesla is the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck, scoring 96.5/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, #10 of 131 in our overall ranking. Tesla has 2 current models in IIHS records, 2 with complete crash-test results; 1 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. Older Tesla models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 46.0 per million registered vehicle years, grade C on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current Tesla ranked by safety
Equal scores share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other Tesla models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2026 Tesla Cybertruck | Large pickups | 1 of 6 | TSP+ | ~$69,990 | 96.5 |
| #2 | 2026 Tesla Model 3 | Midsize luxury cars | 3 of 4 | No award | ~$36,990 | 91.7 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
Real-world death rates for used Tesla models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the IIHS driver death rate study, compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 2WD | 2019-20 | 15 | 24.8 | n/a |
| Tesla Model S 4WD | 2017-20 | 17 | 18.5 | n/a |
| Tesla Model 3 4WD | 2019-20 | 52 | 24.8 | n/a |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older Tesla model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
Questions people ask about Tesla safety
Is Tesla a safe brand?
Tesla has 2 current models in IIHS records, 2 with complete crash-test records. 1 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Tesla is the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck at 96.5/100, #10 of 131 in our overall ranking. Older Tesla models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 46.0 per million registered vehicle years, grade C; that is historical context and not part of the score. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest Tesla?
The safest current Tesla in our 2026 ranking is the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck (large pickups), scoring 96.5/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It ranks #1 of 6 in its class.
Which Tesla models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
1 current Tesla model earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Tesla Cybertruck.
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