2024 Tesla Model 3 deliveries stopped due to ADR breach

Deliveries of the upgraded 2024 Tesla Model 3 have been suspended indefinitely in Australia as of today, due to what Tesla is calling a “technical compliance matter” revolving around its top-tether child seat anchor points.

The revelation was made yesterday in a special correspondence with patiently-waiting Model 3 customers, which read: “We regret to inform you that deliveries of Model 3 in Australia will be paused from close of business 17 January 2024.

“This pause is related to a technical compliance matter that we are working closely with the relevant authorities to resolve.

“We understand that these changes may lead to a delay in the delivery and want to assure you that resolving this matter is our top priority. We expect to recommence deliveries within the coming weeks.”

Tesla hasn’t explicitly stated what the Australian Design Rule compliance matter is, but the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has, stating it’s aware of concerns regarding the child restraint anchorage points on the facelifted mid-size electric sedan and is now investigating the problem.

The weird thing is the new model was deemed ADR-compliant and approved for sale Down Under by the same department months ago. ADR34 stipulates that any vehicle marketed as a five-seater must be fitted with (accessible) top-tether points for all rear seats.

Word is the new Model 3 is fitted with the required three tether points as per its predecessor, but the middle one is now inaccessible due to the omission of the previous model’s flap in the parcel shelf.

The revelation has drawn bemusement within the local Tesla community and auto industry, which is questioning how the EV-maker could have overlooked such a trivial but ultimately crucial detail when developing the updated Model 3.

A handful Chinese-built 2024 Models 3s are believed to have been delivered to customers in Sydney and, if so, they will likely be recalled by Tesla Australia to rectify the compliance breach.

Early examples of the BYD Atto3 also fell afoul of ADR34 last year, when it was discovered the Chinese-made compact electric SUV wasn’t fitted with a top-tether point for the centre rear seat at all, initially hindering it from receiving a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

At the time of writing the Model 3, which outsold the Toyota Camry to be Australia’s best-selling sedan and mid-size car in 2023, is still able to be ordered online and still advertised with a ‘Jan-March’ estimated delivery time.

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