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ANCAP reinstates Model 3 score
Richard Bosselman
May 22, 2025
Electric sedan regains five star rating it held between 2019 and 2023.
TELSA’S Model 3 sedan has been reinstated to a five star safety score by the independent national crash test auditor, this ending an 18 month period when the updated version was unrated.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Programme, ANCAP, which sets ratings for New Zealand - which helps with funding the organisation - and Australia, says the rating announced today covers models built and on sale from September, 2023.
The car first entered the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2019. It thereafter achieved a five-star rating, then as now the highest score ANCAP can give.
However, running changes made from September 2023 build saw that qualification unable to carry through, ANCAP reminded today.
It did not specify those changes today, but reports of the time say a facelift for the vehicle was the impetus.
This brought changes in the design, specifically the removal of the rear central child-seat tether anchor point, became a big issue, as this impacted compliance with design rules specific to Australia.
Australian media reported in January, 2024, that the updated Model 3 was being investigated by Australian regulators “due to a potential technical compliance breach.”
Since then, Model 3 has been unrated by ANCAP.
Now that decision has been rescinded. ANCAP says as result of a full suite of independent testing to current standards, the car again meets criteria.
The results from that testing deliver a 90 percent score for adult occupant protection. The car attained full marks for the side impact and oblique pole tests. In the frontal offset (MPDB) test, the Model 3 provided ‘good’ protection to all critical body regions of the driver and front passenger, except for the driver’s chest and the lower legs of both front occupants, which had ‘adequate’ protection.
ANCAP says updates introduced to Tesla Model 3 vehicles built from September 2023 include the addition of a centre airbag between the front seats and the fitment of an active bonnet system.
The centre airbag earned full points in far side impact testing, demonstrating effective occupant-to-occupant protection.
Additionally, the active bonnet system is designed to reduce pedestrian injury risk by lifting the bonnet surface upon impact, increasing clearance from underlying hard structures. Testing confirmed consistent and reliable deployment across various speeds and pedestrian statures.
The Tesla Model 3 performed very well in child occupant protection, achieving 95 percent – the highest result recorded to date against ANCAP’s 2023-2025 criteria. In both the frontal offset and side impact tests, protection was considered ‘good’ for all critical body areas of both the six and 10-year-old child dummies. It scored maximum points in this part of the assessment.
A direct child presence detection system – which provides a notification to the driver and intervenes by activating air conditioning and opening windows if a child is inadvertently left inside – is standard on all variants and contributed to the record score. This technology has also been integrated into the front seats of the vehicle in updated models built from September 2023.
Strong performance in crash avoidance and driver assistance system testing contributed to the car’s vulnerable road user protection score of 89 percent - also a record high score - and safety assist score of 88 percent.
“The upgraded Tesla Model 3 has again delivered all-round safety performance, with standout results for child occupant and vulnerable road user protection, making it a reassuring choice for families,” said Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP’s chief executive officer.