Tesla Vehicles Show Highest Fatal Crash Rate Among U.S. Auto Brands

New Study Reveals Tesla Fatal Accidents Double the Industry Average

Tesla vehicles experience fatal crashes at twice the industry average rate, according to data analyzed by iSeeCars using the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The study, examining crashes between 2017 and 2022, found Tesla’s fatal accident rate of 5.6 per billion miles driven surpasses all other automotive brands in America. The Tesla Model Y, currently the world’s best-selling vehicle, shows a particularly concerning rate of 10.6 fatal crashes per billion miles—nearly four times the national average of 2.8.

5 Key Points

• Tesla leads all automotive brands with 5.6 fatal crashes per billion miles driven.
• Model Y records 10.6 fatal crashes per billion miles, ranking sixth worst overall.
• The study analyzed data from 2017-2022 on model year 2018-2022 vehicles.
• Kia and Buick follow Tesla with rates of 5.5 and 4.8, respectively.
• IIHS still rates Tesla vehicles highly for safety features and crash protection.

Safety Ratings Contrast with Real-World Data

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2024 Model Y its Top Safety Pick+ designation, highlighting the disconnect between crash test performance and real-world outcomes. Tesla vehicles incorporate extensive safety technology and engineering features designed to protect occupants. The contrast between laboratory safety ratings and actual accident statistics raises questions about factors beyond vehicle design affecting crash rates.

Get a free legal case review today

Did you develop any of the following injuries after being exposed to Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF)? * Choose one Ulcerative Colitis Kidney Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Testicular Cancer Prostate Cancer Bladder Cancer Thyroid Disease Liver Cancer Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma None of the above Were you exposed to Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF)? *

YesNo

Which medication(s) did you take during your pregnancy? * Choose one Tylenol Acetaminophen Alka-Seltzer Coricidin Dayquil Excedrin FluTherapy Midol Mucinex Nyquil Panadol Robitussin Sinex Sudafed Theraflu Other Medication(s) Was your child diagnosed with Autism, ADHD or another condition? * Choose one Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Asperger’s Syndrome Kanner’s Syndrome Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Pervasive Developmental Disorder Other Medical Condition How old was your child at the time of diagnosis? *

Under 18 years old18+ years old

Did the accident occur within the last 2 years? *

YesNo

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

ZIP Code *

Phone Number *

What is your case type? * Choose one -------------------- Asbestos Baby Formula Camp Lejeune Clergy Abuse CPAP Elmiron Exactech Firefighting Foam FTX Exchange Hair Relaxer Hernia Mesh Paraquat PFAS Roundup Sex Abuse Social Media Talcum Powder Tepezza Tylenol -------------------- Birth Injury Car Accident FELA Medical Malpractice Motorcycle Accident Slip and Fall Trucking Accident Uber & Lyft Rideshare Workplace Injury Weight Loss Wrongful Death -------------------- Something Else

Human Verification *

I understand and agree that (a) submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship, (b) I am not already represented by an attorney for this matter, (c) the information I submit will be shared with a law firm, and (d) I have read and accepted the terms and conditions of the Privacy Policy, Terms of Service and Legal Disclaimer. Further, I consent to being contacted by a law firm or its agent after submitting this request.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Individual Model Performance Reveals Concerning Patterns

The Tesla Model S recorded a fatal crash rate of 5.8 per billion vehicle miles driven, more than double the industry average of 2.8. The Model Y’s performance proved even more troubling at 10.6 fatal crashes per billion miles, placing it sixth-worst among all vehicles studied. The Hyundai Venue topped the list with 13.9 fatal crashes per billion miles driven.

Driver Behavior May Explain Higher Fatality Rates

iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer addressed the apparent paradox between safety ratings and fatal crash statistics. “The models on this list likely reflect a combination of driver behavior and driving conditions, leading to increased crashes and fatalities,” Brauer said. “A focused, alert driver, traveling at a legal or prudent speed, without being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is the most likely to arrive safely regardless of the vehicle they’re driving.”