Tesla has been forced to temporarily pause deliveries of the new Model 3 in Australia due to a “technical compliance matter.” At the same time, the company has also issued an over-the-air (OTA) recall in Australia for a steering issue on the Model 3 and Model Y.
Model 3 Deliveries
Earlier this month we told you that Tesla could face a potential stop-sale order and recall in Australia over a safety standards breach related to the tether points used to secure child seats. Since the Model 3 was certified as a five-passenger vehicle in Australia, the Model 3 is required to have three tether points for child seats in rear passenger seats.
For some reason, Tesla launched the upgraded Model 3 in Australia providing access to only two tether points, one on each of the outboard seats, with the middle seat having no plastic flap in the parcel shelf to access its tether point.
As a result, Tesla has now paused deliveries to deal with the issue, which it only refers to as a “technical compliance matter” in a notice sent to customers with Model 3 reservations in Australia. In the email Tesla says deliveries will stop from January 18, with the company giving no date for when they might resume, except to say they hope to do so “within the coming weeks.”
Tesla have finally commenced the stop delivery – I guess the recall may be announced tomorrow? pic.twitter.com/DjkIfinjwK
— Beau (@BeauGiles) January 17, 2024
While Tesla has paused deliveries, there has been no recall. If they do issue one it will likely involve replacing the rear parcel shelf with one that includes a cover to allow access to the tether point.
OTA Recall
Tesla did however issue an OTA recall this week in Australia for another matter. According to the recall notice posted to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website, 4,382 units of 2022-2023 Model 3 and Model Y are being recalled for an issue “where the steering wheel may feel notchy when operating the vehicle in cold temperatures.”
The fix is a simple OTA software update, which is included in version 2023.38 or later, which most owners in Australia have likely already installed.
Interestingly, Tesla has not issued a similar recall in Canada with Transport Canada or with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US.
