Tesla has issued a recall for 3,470 Model Y SUVs over concerns some of the second-row seatback may not be properly fastened, which could cause a reduction in the seat belt system’s performance. Unlike the majority of Tesla’s recalls that can be fixed through a free over-the-air (OTA) software update this one will require a service visit.
According to the recall notice posted to the NHTSA website the affected Model Ys were manufactured between May 23, 2022 and February 5, 2023. On approximately 4% of the 3,470 vehicles identified in the recall one or more of the bolts that secure the second-row seat back frames to the lower seat frame may not have been torqued to specifications.
UPDATE Mar 12: Transport Canada has now published the same recall and it affects just 71 Model Ys in Canada.
This causes a potential problem as the second-row seat belt system loads go through the lower seat frame, and if they are not properly tightened seat belt system may not perform as designed in a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla first became aware of the issue on December 10, 2022 during an inspection at the Fremont factory. From December 11 to January 27, 2023 the automaker conducted an investigation in coordination with their supplier to identify the root cause. By February 17 the root cause was identified, along with the impacted vehicle population, after which a recall determination was made.
Ipmacted owners will have to visit a Service Center and schedule a Mobile Service visit to have the bolts inspected and re-torqued if necessary.
Tesla is aware of 5 warranty claims between December 9, 2022 and February 14, 2023 that may be related to this issue.
You can read the full recall notice below. There has been no similar recall posted to Transport Canada’s website at the time of publication.
RCLRPT-23V130-5860
