Tesla has issued a recall of just over 24,000 Model 3 cars over a seat belt problem. This is a rare genuine “physical” recall for the automaker after many “recalls” that were software updates.
Earlier this year, NHTSA launched a series of Tesla vehicles that were widely reported in the media.
What was less reported, however, was that almost all of those recalls were undeniable software issues that Tesla was able to fix through over-the-air software updates.
Whenever there is a protective factor, NHTSA will have to factor in a “protective recall,” even if the automaker doesn’t have to physically recall a vehicle, leading to some confusion.
Once again, last month, a Tesla recall of “1 million vehicles” made headlines when the recall only said Tesla was converting the way its software dealt with window operations.
These cases have prompted Tesla CEO Elon Musk to talk about the term “retirement” and how it is used in opposition to Tesla through the media.
But to be fair, Tesla still has “real recalls” where cars have to be physically picked up at a service center.
We have a new example today when Tesla began emailing Model 3 consumers regarding a new recall:
Tesla has to proactively recall certain Model 3 cars manufactured between 2017 and 2022 to inspect the second-row left seat belt buckle joint and center seat belt anchorage to make sure certain parts are secured according to specifications. ), 5YJ3E1EA8JF0XXXXX, would possibly be affected by this recall.
According to NHTSA documents, the recall affects 24,064 Model 3 cars manufactured since 2017.
In the defect notice, NHTSA describes the problem, which appears to have been caused by a non-manufacturing service factor:
Maintenance of certain Model 3 vehicle parts requires removal of the second row left seat belt buckle and middle seat belt anchorage, as both are secured with the same bolt. Both parts may have been reassembled incorrectly after disassembling a maintenance operation.
Tesla described the chronology of the occasions that led to voluntary retirement:
The good news is that the solution is undeniable, as described in the brochure:
Tesla will inspect the left row seat belt buckle reassembly and middle seat belt anchor and, if necessary, secure parts to the correct type specifications. They will be provided free of charge.
Also, some consumers may have already paid to fix this issue, and now that we’ve decided it’s a manufacturer defect, those Tesla owners are entitled to a refund.
Fred is editor-in-chief and senior editor of Electrek.
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