90,000 cars recalled
Tesla recalls 90,000 cars because of a single report of a front seat belt not being properly connected. Tesla was alerted to the seat belt issue by a customer in Europe two weeks ago and has since inspected 3,000 vehicles and its assembly process.
Tesla recently found a Model S in Europe with a front seat belt that was not properly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner. This vehicle was not involved in a crash and there were no injuries. However, in the event of a crash, a seat belt in this condition would not provide full protection.
China orders Tesla recall
Chinese safety regulators order Tesla to recall 1.1 million vehicles because drivers aren’t able to select the regenerative braking system and there is a lack of warning when they press hard on the accelerator pedal. The State Administration for Market Regulation (a Chinese government organ) says these issues:
may increase the probability of mistakenly stepping on the accelerator pedal for a long time, which may increase the risk of collision and pose a safety hazard.
The recall involves imported Model S, X and 3 models as well as the Chinese-made Models Y and 3. The models were produced between January 12, 2019 and April 24, 2023, though it isn’t clear whether those dates apply only to the Chinese-made vehicles. Tesla will fix the problem with an online software update.
NHTSA investigates faulty Model Y steering wheels, recalls 137 vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates Tesla, after two 2023 Model Y owners filed complaints saying that their steering wheels came off while they were driving. Both cars had low mileage, and the NHTSA says they were delivered to the owners without the retaining bolt that attaches the steering wheel to the steering column. Tesla is now voluntarily recalling 137 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles, because the fastening part of the steering wheel may not be as tight as it needs to be. The loose fasteners may separate the steering wheel from the steering column and cause the vehicle to lose steering control. Tesla will provide a free inspection and reinforcement for the recalled vehicles and the its service center will provide services to users as needed. The NHTSA has not yet ordered a recall for the Model Y vehicles, but the administration says the investigation could include about 120,000 vehicles.