Tesla's whirlwind 2017 — complete with Model 3 launch, production-line woes, and all of Elon Musk's other notable announcements like the Hyperloop — has taken another turn with confirmation of a recall concerning a number of Tesla Model Xs worldwide.
The voluntary recall concerns Model X models produced between October 28 last year and August 16 this year that feature fold-flat seats in the second row, and regards an issue with the seat cables proving to be vulnerable in the case of a crash. Around 11,000 vehicles are covered by the recall.
“During recent internal testing, Tesla determined that a small number of cables in the second row fold-flat seats in some 2016 and 2017 Model X vehicles may need to be adjusted,” they explain in the email sent out to affected Tesla owners.
“Although Tesla has not received reports of any issues or accidents relating to this condition, we will be inspecting the affected customers’ cars so that we can confirm whether any adjustment is needed. We are doing this out of an abundance of caution, because even though we have never seen it happen, if the cable is not properly adjusted, the seat back on the left side of the second row seats could move forward during a crash.”
Testing on each individual car for the fault is understood to only be a 10-minute process, and can reportedly be carried out be a mobile service that will come to your door.
The recall comes off the back of a year of incredible highs and a few notable lows. They launched in New Zealand, with sales of Model S and X variants eclipsing almost all of their EV competition almost immediately (without almost any marketing no less). The US launch of the Model 3 has also seen the brand's virtues reach more households than with any of their more expensive existing products.
However, a huge demand for Model 3s and continual quality issues with Model X production has seen what Musk labelled "production bottlenecks" at the manufacturer's production plant.
"This is just one quarter," said Kelley Blue Book analyst Akshay Anand, "but if production misses continue into the fourth quarter and even beyond, Tesla will be in a much more precarious position since their future largely relies on the Model 3 being a success."
You can read Tesla's full recall notice below:
"Subject: Safety Notice
We are emailing to inform you of a proactive action Tesla is taking to ensure your safety as a Model X owner. During recent internal testing, Tesla determined that a small number of cables in the second row fold-flat seats in some 2016 and 2017 Model X vehicles may need to be adjusted. Although Tesla has not received reports of any issues or accidents relating to this condition, we will be inspecting the affected customers’ cars so that we can confirm whether any adjustment is needed. We are doing this out of an abundance of caution, because even though we have never seen it happen, if the cable is not properly adjusted, the seat back on the left side of the second row seats could move forward during a crash.
Our records show that you own a Model X affected by this voluntary recall. There are no parts required for this inspection, and the adjustment will take only about 10 minutes to complete. We can address 100% of these repairs via mobile service, and you will have the choice to do that or to bring in your car to a Service Center. We will be contacting you soon to schedule this according to your preference.
Until then, there is no issue with continuing to drive your Model X. We just ask that you temporarily avoid having two adults sit in the second row left and center seating positions at the same time. (Even with this issue, the seat is strong enough for a single adult or two children.) You may also continue to use child seats using the LATCH anchors, as these anchors are attached to the seat base and not the seat back. Note that this issue only affects Model X with fold-flat second row seats built between October 28, 2016 and August 16, 2017 and does not affect any vehicles with monopost seats.
Thank you for being a Tesla customer and we apologize for this inconvenience. Model X has received the highest rating in every category and subcategory in independent crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and we are committed to ensuring that Model X remains the safest SUV in the world.
If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 844-248-3752 or by email at [email protected]."