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Tesla Model 3 gets 5-star rating from U.S. auto safety agency

Published

September 20, 2018

NHSTA is the U.S. government’s auto safety agency – responsible for writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as well as regulations for motor vehicle theft resistance and fuel economy.

For the automotive industry, getting a 5-star rating is an impressive achievement and for Tesla, who makes safety paramount, this latest rating for the Model 3 follows on the heels of 5-star ratings given to the Model S and Model X.

Not only did the Model 3 achieve an overall 5-star safety rating, but it also achieved the top score in each category and subcategory. But being tough on the safety of his vehicles is something Tesla CEO Elon Musk has always been bullish about.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk foreshadowed this super high level of safety awhile back in this Tweet:

Elon Musk

Front Crash testing
The Model 3 received an overall frontal 5-star rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles going 35-mph.
Side Crash testing
Again the Model 3 received an overall side 5-star rating. This test combines the side barrier driver and side pole ratings into a front seat rating. The rear seat rating is derived from the side barrier rear passenger ratings.
The side barrier ratings
The side barrier test simulates an intersection collision between a standing vehicle and a moving barrier 38.5 mph. Again, the Model 3 received an overall 5-star rating.
Overall side pole star rating
The side pole barrier test simulates a crash into a fixed object – like a tree or utility pole. And yes, the Model 3 received a 5-star rating.

NHTSA’s rating program and the format of the information makes it easier for consumers to understand the safety tests. NHTSA asserts the program has influenced manufacturers to build vehicles that consistently achieve high ratings.

In this article:5star rating, Model 3, Nhtsa, Safety, Tesla

Written By Karen Graham

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.