Key Points
- Infasecure and Maxi Cosi warn their child restraints are not compatible with the Tesla Model Y L's second-row captain's chairs due to top tether slippage risk.
- Tesla demonstrated at the Brisbane Baby Expo that most seats are compatible when a split or V tether is used, with some needing an extension strap.
- Kidsafe Queensland is now offering professional child seat fittings and safety certificates for the Model Y L.
Two of Australia's top child restraint manufacturers have warned parents not to use their seats in the second row of the new Tesla Model Y L family SUV. But Tesla has demonstrated workarounds at the Brisbane Baby Expo, showing that many seats can be safely installed with the right tether configuration.
Originally reported by Drive, Infasecure and Maxi Cosi advised that the design of the Model Y L's second-row captain's chairs means the top tether cannot be safely installed. The seats feature non-adjustable headrests and a sloped seatback design, which can cause the top tether strap to slip down the side of the seat. That could stop the child restraint from working as intended in a crash.
"Our advice is that our restraints (all types) are not compatible with the captain chairs in the Tesla Model Y L," an Infasecure spokesperson told Drive. "Even the single top tether, unfortunately, with the shape of the headrest, could cause the single top tether to slide off the top of the vehicle headrest."
The spokesperson added that "no Infa Group tethered child restraints are compatible with the second row of a Tesla Model Y L."
Maxi Cosi issued a similar warning. "We cannot recommend using our restraints in the Tesla Model Y L's captain's chairs, as this configuration is untested and may pose a risk of strap slippage in a collision," a spokesperson said.
Britax is also investigating. The brand told Drive it is "working with Tesla to confirm if V-Tethers or Split Tethers can be used to go around the seats and provide a secure installation and the required dynamic performance." Britax said it is waiting for Tesla to confirm this in writing.
Tesla rebuts claims at Brisbane Baby Expo
At the Brisbane Baby Expo,held between 20-21 June a Tesla engineer demonstrated child seat installations in a Model Y L to counter the reports of incompatibility.
According to a Reddit user tvara1 who spoke with the engineer, "most seats are compatible, some need an extension on the back for proper fitting but they are fine." The engineer showed a Maxi Cosi swivel seat and a Britax seat installed in the second-row captain's chairs, and an Accord seat in the third row. The engineer also said Nuna seats are compatible.
The key difference is the use of a split tether or V tether instead of a single top tether strap. These tether types wrap around the seatback or connect to the anchor point in a way that avoids the sloped headrest and seatback design.
Kidsafe Queensland is now offering professional child seat fittings for the Model Y L and will issue safety certificates. This gives parents an independent option to verify that their specific child seat can be installed correctly.
What this means for parents seeking a Model Y L
All three brands confirmed the Model Y L's third-row bench seats are suitable for single- and split-tether child seats. The standard five-seat Model Y is not affected by this issue because the top tether can run over the back of the rear seats to the boot securely.
Children aged four and up can use booster seats that do not require a top tether. From seven years old or 145 cm tall, children can legally sit without a child seat or booster.
When ANCAP tested the Model Y L in 2025, it awarded five stars but noted difficulties with child restraint installation. ANCAP stated: "Difficulties were identified with child restraint installation in second-row seating positions, where many restraints could not be correctly installed due to limitations with top tether routing." The ANCAP report said rear-facing capsules can "install without a problem" in the second row, though they still require a top tether.
The situation appears to be evolving. Despite official warnings from Infasecure and Maxi Cosi maintain, Tesla's demonstration at the expo clearly indicates that using a split or V tether can resolve the issue for many seats.
If you are concerned about car seat compatibility, make sure to test fit your specific child seat, consider a professional fitting such as Kidsafe Queensland, and check with their child seat manufacturer about the seat and different tether types before committing to a Model Y L.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
