Tesla Models 3 and Y Lose IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Rating

Tesla is facing a media storm as of late. Earlier this week the IIHS dropped the infamous Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Models 3 and Y due to a switch in safety standards. While the imminent cause is unknown, the reactions from both automotive agencies and consumers is befuddling. Why would Tesla make changes to safety that most makes and models strive for? It’s quite clear the Tesla today is letting us know that change is part of their mold.

Find out what caused the IIHS to remove the Top Safety Pick+ ratings from Tesla’s most economical models. In addition, learn about the most recent Tesla recall from the NHTSA.

What changed? Find out Tesla’s response to IIHS Safety Pick removal

The Model 3 and Model Y no longer come equipped with radar sensors for select safety features. This change urged the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to take away the Top Safety Pick+ award from those models. It spiraled a wave of reactions from auto enthusiasts. But the real answer lies within engineers behind Tesla manufacturing. Take a look at what Tesla’s reasoning was behind the loss of radar sensors. 

According to Tesla,  “Beginning with deliveries in May 2021, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built for the North American market will no longer be equipped with radar. Instead, these will be the first Tesla vehicles to rely on camera vision and neural net processing to deliver Autopilot, Full-Self Driving and certain active safety features.” 

It’s evident Tesla has a distinct motive for removing these highly sought after radar technologies for what they describe as Tesla Vision. The radar sensors play a significant role in how the vehicle responds to potential collisions so it will be interesting to see how well the camera-based systems stack up to the radar in terms of safety.

When addressing FAQs on the Tesla forum, Tesla states, “Vehicles equipped with Tesla Vision retain the same crash safety ratings as vehicles equipped with radar. Although Tesla can stand firmly with this claim, it seems other automotive safety agencies aren’t so sure. At least, until more research is performed on Tesla Vision.

How the NHTSA responded to Tesla removing radar sensors

When it came to Tesla’s announcement of losing radar sensors in the Model 3 and Y, the U.S. government agency made the quick decision to follow lead. The website no longer gives Models 3 and Y marks for automatic emergency braking, forward collision, and lane departure warning. These are top of the line safety features that deliver the criteria for IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings across the nation. No modern driver wants to buy a vehicle without them. 

The loss of radar sensors is just the first news to hit Tesla this week. There is also a recall of 5,974 Tesla models. The recalls resulted from loosening bolts that could create loss of tire pressure. If this recall affects you, check out the NHTSA website to learn more.

Tesla is recalling 5,974 of its electric vehicles over concerns their break caliber bolts might loosen, which could cause a loss of tire pressure and increase the risk of a crash, according to NHTSA documents. https://t.co/B4YD0viBmb

— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) June 2, 2021

What the future has in store despite IIHS Top Safety drop

From its autopilot feature to its arcade games, these electric masterpieces are more than just a car. The Tesla brand is a phenomenon in EV manufacturing. Today, we find ourselves examining their safety, not because we want to, but because the consumer reports reign true. Although a brand built on innovation, safety is a component that is always evolving. We just hope Tesla is evolving in the right direction.

As Tesla figures out the kinks in their safety technologies, we’ll be eagerly awaiting the next spectacular model to grace the automotive market. It’s sure to have better technologies and innovation than ever before.