Tesla Beats Its Own Record for Highest Accident Rate of Any Automaker

Drivers are typically responsible when their car crashes. However, your vehicle might not do you any favors if it has defects. Which automaker sees the most cars on tow trucks? As it turns out, the accident rate for Tesla vehicles is higher than anyone else. Recent reports indicate the company outdid itself with even more crashes. 

How High Is the Tesla Accident Rate?

The automotive search engine iSeeCars compiled data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to determine which cars were in accidents the most often. Who was at the top? The Tesla crash rate was 5.6 incidents per billion miles. Kia’s accident rate was just behind that of the EV manufacturer, clocking in at 5.5 crashes per billion vehicles. 

Buick’s and Dodge’s rates were 4.8 and 4.4, respectively. So, is the Tesla accident rate really that bad? Put it in perspective — it’s double the national average. If your crash rate at least doubles other manufacturers, then you have to look in the mirror. Apparently, your drivers are more versed in accident protocol than owners of different vehicles. 

Another Study Makes Tesla Bite the Dust

If you think the iSeeCars report was an outlier, think again. A 2025 LendingTree report used insurance quote data to determine the automaker with the worst drivers. Who came out on top? Once again, it was Tesla. The EV manufacturer had 36.94 accidents, DUIs, speeding tickets and citations per 1,000 drivers in 2024. Somehow, Tesla outdid itself by increasing from 31.13 per 1,000 drivers in 2023. 

If you jump to the highest in an automotive ranking, that’s typically a good thing. However, this list isn’t something to be proud of. The LendingTree report saw Tesla jump Ram, which had the highest incident rate in 2023. Subaru checked in third place, which is surprising because of the manufacturer’s reputation for safety. So, are drivers the real issue here? 

Which Tesla Vehicles Have the Highest Accident Rate?

Tesla only has five passenger vehicles, yet two of them are among the 25 most dangerous cars on American roads. The worst offender is the Tesla Model Y, which had 10.6 fatal accidents per billion miles. This rate is 3.7 times the national average and high enough for sixth on the charts. If safety is your priority, you’re correct to be concerned. 

The other Tesla vehicle with a high fatality rate is the Model S, clocking in at 21st place. It doubles the national average with 5.8 fatalities per billion miles. What brands finished ahead of these Tesla vehicles? The top five included the Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Corvette, Mitsubishi Mirage, Porsche 911 and the Honda CR-V Hybrid. 

Why Is the Tesla Crash Rate Higher Than Other Vehicles?

Is it the driver’s fault or the automaker’s responsibility? The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. The iSeeCars report notes the high fatality rates could be attributed to driver behavior as much as the vehicle design itself. That doesn’t mean all Tesla drivers are aspiring racecar drivers or running away from the law. However, there’s no denying the numbers. 

So, what makes Tesla the highest on the list? It could be the overreliance on driver assistance technology. While CEO Elon Musk has pushed self-driving capabilities, all Tesla vehicles require human hands on the wheel. Teslas have Autopilot, which doesn’t actually make your car autonomous. That said, it could lull drivers into thinking they have a larger safety net to fall back on. 

Why Does Tesla Claim It Has the Safest Cars?

So, how safe are Teslas? The manufacturer says it has the safest vehicles worldwide due to its engineering and all-electric design. Impact protection means the vehicle absorbs energy to protect occupants and the battery pack. If the cars were truly as safe as Musk says they are, more independent studies would back claims and protect drivers from fatalities. 

One feather in its cap is the IIHS Safety Rating, which made the Tesla Model Y a Top Safety Pick in 2024. Tesla vehicles may perform well in controlled environments like the IIHS tests. However, these assessments don’t necessarily translate into the real world. Tesla conducts its own crash test, so the public can’t be sure about the validity of the results. 

How Can Tesla Reduce Its Accident Rate?

Tesla’s reputation precedes it, so running away from it would be pointless. However, what could be productive is taking steps to reduce the accident rate. So, is there anything Tesla can do? The first step may be the most difficult — controlling the drivers. Tesla could take away horsepower and slow the vehicles down, considering its speeds are comparable to Corvettes and other sports cars. 

Another solution digs a little deeper into the details. Ultimately, Tesla vehicles need better bodies. The current framework just doesn’t work for the average driver. Design flaws are apparent around the cars and boggle the mind. For example, the Model 3 has only one pedal, which can confuse many drivers. Drivers say the Model Y has limited visibility in the rear window due to a blocking pillar. 

How Can You Make Your Tesla Safer?

While the Tesla accident rate is high, the control is in your hands. Careful driving and occasional upgrades can get you from point A to point B without a scratch. Here are a few tips for improving safety in your Tesla:

• Drive smartly: The easiest thing to do is just drive safely. Be a defensive driver by remaining alert and undistracted when operating your car. The last thing you want is to be at fault for a wreck. 
• Learn Autopilot: Autopilot isn’t necessarily an accurate name because you still have to focus on the road. Tesla says this feature maintains your speed and following distance to reduce your risk of an accident. However, you can’t take your eyes off the road.  
• Update software: Teslas are among the most tech-enabled cars, thus requiring software updates. Prioritize these over-the-air (OTA) patches as they come, considering they’re crucial for safety. 

Staying Safe in Teslas and Other Vehicles 

It’s possible to be safe in the most dangerous car while crashing the safest car. Ultimately, the driver and manufacturer share responsibility in this aspect. However, some automakers stand out more than others in terms of safety or lack thereof. Multiple studies have demonstrated the Tesla accident rate is double the national average, which is a cause for concern.