Nearly 16,000 Tesla Model S and Model X Recalled in the US Over Seat Belt Concerns

Tesla, the US-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has issued a recall of nearly 16,000 examples of the Model S and the Model X in the US market over faulty seat belts. This applies to the Model S and Model X that were manufactured between 2021 and 2023. Therefore, the recall was voluntarily issued to address an issue with the front-row seat belts, which were not securely fastened to the pre-tensioner anchor as part of a necessary step for performing a previous repair on the vehicles, according to the American manufacturer. In the safety recall notice, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration further observes that if the first-row seat belt is not adequately connected to its pre-tensioner anchor, it may cause the seat belt to malfunction during a collision, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.  

As of June, the electric manufacturer has identified at least 12 warranty claims connected to the said issue, however, there have been no reports of any injuries, crashes, or fatalities.  

Also Read: Tesla Cybertruck First Unit Rolls Out of Texas Factory, Production Finally Begins

Tesla to Fix Affected Vehicles 

To resolve the said problem, Tesla intends to conduct inspections and attach the first-row seat belts to the pre-tensioner anchors, if deemed necessary. The entire assembly will be replaced free of cost at authorised dealerships across the US, in case the seat belt cannot be connected to the pretension. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified soon by Tesla, and the necessary repair will be carried out free of cost. 

Tesla Also Issues a Smaller Recall

In addition, the July recall also includes 1,337 samples of the 2023 Model S, the Model X, and the Model Y. This recall concerns the forward-facing camera, which may not be aligned properly and could possibly turn off specific active safety features, including lane assist, emergency braking, forward collision warning, etc. In response, Tesla proposes to rectify the abovementioned problem by adjusting the pitch angle of the cameras on the affected units. 

Also Read: Tesla Holds Talks to Set up India Factory, EV Prices Could Begin at Rs 20 Lakh

Tesla Holds Talks to Set up India Factory for EVs

Tesla is reportedly exploring the potential establishment of a local manufacturing facility in India. Indicating a revived interest from Tesla in the Indian market, this development is followed by PM Narendra Modi's US visit. This prudent approach intends to allow Tesla to produce EVs in India and sell them for lower prices. According to a recent industry report, Tesla plans to produce up to 5 lakh electric vehicles annually with a starting price of Rs 20 lakh. In addition, Elon Musk is also considering utilising India as an export hub as the company gears up to export cars to nations in the Indo-Pacific region.