Federal regulators in Australia have launched an investigation into Tesla’s Model 3 sedan. The focus of the investigation is a potential breach of motor-vehicle rules, following the removal of an accessible child-seat anchor point, which is crucial for gaining road-use approval.
The updated Tesla Model 3, which began deliveries in December 2023, is certified as a five-seat passenger vehicle in Australia.
However, it reportedly lacks an accessible top-tether anchor point for the center rear seat – a mandatory feature for such vehicles under the Australian Design Rules (ADR). This requirement stipulates clear access to upper anchor fittings for child-seat attachment, without the need for tools.
Photos of the new Model 3 suggest the top-tether point, previously accessible through a flap on the parcel shelf, is now covered and inaccessible. While top-tether and ISOFIX mounting points remain for the outer rear seats, the absence of a middle seat anchor point is concerning, as this seat is traditionally considered the safest for children in a vehicle.
This issue places Tesla as potentially the second automaker to breach Australian regulations in this manner, following a similar incident with BYD’s Atto 3 electric car in 2022.
A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts provided a statement to Drive: “The Department is aware of concerns regarding the child restraint anchorage points in the 2024 Tesla Model 3 and is looking into this matter. Road safety is a top priority of the Australian Government. We have legislated road vehicle standards in place to ensure all road vehicles, both new and used, being provided to the Australian market for the first time meet critical national standards for safety, security and emissions.”
The investigation raises the possibility of Tesla having to recall the delivered Model 3s if found non-compliant with ADR. Additionally, Tesla could consider re-certifying the Model 3 as a four-seater by removing the rear-center seatbelt, a strategy previously employed by Honda for its 2022 HR-V model.
The latest Model 3 retains a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2019 tests with the previous model. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out down under.
