Updated 2024 Tesla Model 3 electric car loses five-star ANCAP safety rating despite extra airbag and side-impact bolstering

With the arrival of the updated Tesla Model 3 comes the departure of its previous five-star safety rating, according to a statement from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

ANCAP's statement reads, "information provided to ANCAP by Tesla confirming the five-star safety rating for the Tesla Model 3 cannot be applied to facelifted vehicles at this time".

Tesla has added safety features to the Model 3 as part of the facelift, including an extra centre airbag (now seven total) and improved side-impact strength to meet stricter requirements in its home market of America.

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It is unclear what the reason is for the lack of rating, however, the Model 3 has come under fire from some owners due to an issue relating to Australian Design Rules (ADRs).

In a post on a Tesla owners' forum, Teslamotorsclub.com, some owners complain about a lack of rear central child seat tether anchor point, despite the owner's manual explaining how to tether a central child seat into the car.

The tether point, according to one owner's photo, is still present and welded into the car, but covered by the rear parcel shelf. The outboard ISOFIX mounts and the outboard top tether points remain accessible.

In a post on a Tesla owners’ forum, Teslamotorsclub.com, some owners complain about a lack of rear central child seat tether anchor point. (image: user Murphster/via teslamotorsclub.com)

It's unclear if this is the primary reason for ANCAP's decision to remove the rating for the updated Model 3, despite it being otherwise excellent according to ANCAP's previous rating from 2019.

"ANCAP encourages all consumers and fleet buyers to prioritise the purchase of vehicles which are confirmed to hold a current five-star ANCAP safety rating, ensuring the highest levels of safety," said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg.

The tether point, according to one owner’s photo, is still present and welded into the car, but covered by the rear parcel shelf. (image: user Murphster/via teslamotorsclub.com)

CarsGuide has contacted ANCAP for more specific information, and has also contacted Tesla Australia for more details.

This article will be updated if more information comes to hand.