Tesla has disputed findings from a recent analysis of U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data that named the company as having the highest fatality crash rate among automakers.
The report, which examined accidents involving 2018-2022 model year vehicles resulting in at least one fatality, ranked Tesla’s popular Model Y with a crash fatality rate nearly four times the national average.
Fatal accidents are tragic – we aim to avoid them, safety 1st. This math is incorrect – crash test data is real; Teslas are among the safest cars. Maybe a bad denominator in the per mile calc, by end 2022, US MY miles driven >7B, M3 ~19B. iSeecars=clickbait – not safety regulator
— Lars (@larsmoravy) November 22, 2024
While Tesla’s Model S also showed double the average fatality rate, the Hyundai Venue ranked as the individual model with the highest fatality rate. The Model Y’s inclusion in the top 10 most dangerous vehicles raised concerns, particularly given its status as the world’s best-selling car in 2023.
Tesla’s chief engineer, Lars Moravy, contested the report, asserting that the calculations were flawed. He pointed to discrepancies in data interpretation, emphasizing that Tesla’s vehicles are among the safest in crash tests. Critics, however, note that Tesla’s limited lineup and high volume of vehicles on the road may skew the comparative analysis.
The findings have reignited discussions about the complexities of measuring vehicle safety, with factors such as driving patterns, demographics, and road conditions potentially influencing fatality rates. Tesla maintains that its advanced safety features and crash test results validate the brand’s commitment to driver and passenger protection.
