Brand hub · IIHS data updated 2026-09-16
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.
The safest current Tesla is the 2027 Tesla Model Y, scoring 98.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, #1 of 136 in our overall ranking. Tesla has 3 current models in IIHS records, 3 with complete crash-test results; 2 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick.
Tesla safety weighted by sales
A sales-weighted Tesla score is not available. Comparable reported U.S. model sales have not been verified; estimates are excluded. Missing sales are not replaced with guessed weights.
How sales weighting and variant ranges work
Current ratings, weighted by January–June 2026 U.S. sales. The mean is the sum of each current score × its model’s sales, divided by sales with complete, compatible scores. High-volume models therefore count more. This changes brand aggregation only; individual vehicle scores and ranks are unchanged.
A range shows the possible mix of separately rated variants when their sales split is unpublished. We count a combined sales total once. Unmatched models, unresolved body styles and incomplete scores are excluded from the mean and reduce its sales coverage. Do not compare a brand covering a small slice of sales with one covering nearly its whole lineup as though the evidence were equal.
The TSP+ sales-mix proxy divides sales mapped to current TSP+ records by all reported brand sales. A range reflects award differences within mapped variants. Unmatched sales add nothing to this proxy; they are not rated failures. Current model years, build dates and required equipment still apply: this is a sales-mix comparison of current designs, not the percentage of vehicles delivered in the first half that actually qualified for an award. It is not a death-risk estimate.
Every current Tesla ranked by safety
Where two vehicles score the same, the injury measures behind that score break the tie; vehicles matching on both 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 | 2027 Tesla Model Y | Midsize luxury SUVs | 1 of 23 | TSP+ | ~$39,990 | 98.6 |
| 2 | 2026 Tesla Cybertruck | Large pickups | 1 of 6 | TSP+ | ~$69,990 | 96.5 |
| 3 | 2026 Tesla Model 3 | Midsize luxury cars | 3 of 5 | 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 July 2026 IIHS driver death rate study (2021–2024 crashes), 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 | 95% confidence bounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 electric 2WD | 2020-23 | 15 | 29 | 6–24 |
| Tesla Model Y electric 4WD | 2020-23 | 18 | 17 | 10–25 |
| Tesla Model S electric 4WD | 2020-23 | 35 | 26 | 6–64 |
| Tesla Model 3 electric 4WD | 2020-23 | 39 | 29 | 23–55 |
| Tesla Model X electric 4WD | 2020-23 | 44 | 10 | 5–82 |
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.
- 2025 Tesla CybertruckAward applies only to vehicles built after April 2025
- 2025 Tesla Model 3
- 2025 Tesla Model Y
Questions people ask about Tesla safety
Is Tesla a safe brand?
Tesla has 3 current models in IIHS records, 3 with complete crash-test records. 2 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 0 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Tesla is the 2027 Tesla Model Y at 98.6/100, #1 of 136 in our overall ranking. 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 2027 Tesla Model Y (midsize luxury suvs), scoring 98.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It ranks #1 of 23 in its class.
Which Tesla models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
2 current Tesla models earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Cybertruck.
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