Tesla is recalling certain Model 3 vehicles from 2019 to 2021 and Model Y vehicles from 2020 to 2021 to address front suspension lateral link fasteners that could loosen over time.
Two of these fasteners secure the lateral link to the auxiliary frame of a vehicle. If not tightened to the correct specification, these fasteners could loosen or separate from the auxiliary frame, according to the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This could cause the lateral link to detach from the vehicle’s auxiliary frame, potentially altering wheel alignment and increasing the risk of a crash, says the agency.
A total of 2,791 vehicles are potentially involved, although it is estimated that only 2% have the specific defect in question, according to the recall report.
The need for a recall was determined based on a review of manufacturing records, according to the report. The issue was first noticed in June through service repairs of Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles, and it was confirmed after reviewing records indicating that the fasteners on some vehicles may not have been properly tightened at the factory.
Tesla service centers will adjust or replace the fasteners as necessary at no cost. All Tesla stores and service centers would be notified this week, while owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on December 24, according to the NHTSA.
Tesla has faced suspension issues before, leading to a federal safety investigation in 2020 regarding Model S and Model X suspension failures, although that case was related to a defective part rather than assembly.
However, a potential assembly issue with the brake caliper announced earlier this year was an assembly problem. It also affected the Model 3 and Model Y, resulting in the recall of nearly 6,000 vehicles.
Tesla’s largest recalls to date have not been related to battery or propulsion issues. In 2018, it recalled 135,000 vehicles for defective screens. In 2018, 123,000 vehicles were recalled for a possible corroded steering bolt, with no reported accidents at that time.
