The anticipated five-star safety rating for the recently facelifted Tesla Model 3 electric car in Australia has been deferred as federal regulators initiate an inquiry into a potential breach of motor-vehicle compliance regulations, rendering it potentially illegal for road use.
The preceding version of the Tesla Model 3 electric car held a five-star safety rating accredited by the Australasian New-Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), an independent crash-test authority, based on assessments conducted in 2019. However, ANCAP disclosed today that, according to information provided by Tesla, the five-star safety rating cannot currently be applied to the updated vehicles, and they will be labeled as “unrated.”
Last week, it was revealed that Australian authorities were investigating the updated Model 3 for eliminating access to a child-seat anchor point, a crucial element for compliance with motor-vehicle rules necessary for road approval.
Regulations mandate that five-seat passenger vehicles, featuring three seatbelts across the rear and a non-folding seatback along the center line of the middle seating position, must have an accessible top-tether point for securing child seats in all three positions.
While the pre-facelift Tesla Model 3, produced for Australia from 2019 to late 2023, adhered to this requirement, photos of the updated model indicate that the middle top tether is no longer accessible without removing a trim panel, a violation of Australian Design Rules (ADRs) that necessitate accessibility without tools.
Tesla Australia may be compelled to recall delivered Model 3s and issue a stop-delivery notice if it is determined that the vehicles have breached compliance rules. Despite the ongoing investigation, Tesla has not commented on the matter and continues to deliver vehicles.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, and The Arts is actively examining the concerns surrounding the child restraint anchorage points in the 2024 Tesla Model 3, according to a spokesperson.
In an official statement today, ANCAP revealed that information from Tesla confirmed the inapplicability of the five-star safety rating to the facelifted Model 3 vehicles currently available in Australia and New Zealand, leading to the “unrated” classification.
Typically, safety ratings carry over to updated vehicle versions if manufacturers can demonstrate to ANCAP that no structural changes worsen the crash-test performance. However, it remains uncertain whether the parcel shelf from the previous Model 3, which included access to the center top tether point, is compatible with the new model.
Australian Design Rules mandate that every vehicle should provide the facility to attach an ‘Upper Anchorage Strap’ ‘Attaching Clip’ to an ‘Upper Anchor Fitting’ for each seating position. The situation is currently under investigation by federal authorities and regulatory bodies.
