Tesla Issues Rare Actual ‘Physical’ Recall of Over 24,000 Model 3 Vehicles

Tesla has issued a recall of just over 24,000 Model 3 vehicles over a seat belt issue. This is a rare “physical” recall for the automaker after numerous “recalls” that were just software updates.

Earlier this year, NHTSA issued a series of Tesla vehicle recalls that were widely reported in the media.

What’s been less reported, however, is that nearly all of these recalls were fairly straightforward software issues that Tesla was able to fix through over-the-air software updates.

Whenever there’s a safety-related issue, NHTSA must issue a “safety recall,” even if the automaker doesn’t have to physically recall a vehicle, which leads to some confusion.

Again last month, a Tesla recall of “1 million vehicles” made headlines as the recall was simply about Tesla changing the way its software handled window operations.

These cases have led Tesla CEO Elon Musk to complain about the term “recall” and how it is used against Tesla by the media.

But to be fair, Tesla still sometimes has “real recalls” where vehicles need to be physically recalled to a service center.

We have a new example today as Tesla started emailing Model 3 customers about a new recall:

Tesla has decided to proactively recall certain Model 3 vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2022 to inspect the assembly of the left second row seat belt buckle and center seat belt anchor to ensure that the components are fixed according to the specifications. Our records indicate that your vehicle(s), 5YJ3E1EA8JF0XXXXX, may be affected by this recall.

According to NHTSA documents, the recall affects 24,064 Model 3 vehicles built since 2017.

In the defect notice, NHTSA describes the problem, which appears to have been caused by a service issue rather than a manufacturing one:

Servicing certain components on Model 3 vehicles requires the removal of the second row left seat belt buckle and the center seat belt anchor, both of which are secured with the same bolt. The two components may have been incorrectly reassembled after dismantling during a maintenance operation.

Tesla described the timeline of events that led to the voluntary recall:

• In August 2022, Tesla investigated incidents in which customers or service technicians identified that the second-row center seat belt anchor was unsecured after maintenance repairs that required disassembly. and reassembly of the component.
• From August 15 through September 30, 2022, Tesla investigated repair orders and fix codes specific to service procedures that required the gasket in question to be disassembled and reassembled. Based on this review, 105 occurrences of incorrect reassembly in the United States have been confirmed.
• From October 3 to 13, 2022, Tesla Service and Engineering jointly analyzed the acquired data set, affected service centers and associated fix codes.
• On October 14, 2022, Tesla completed its investigation and confirmed the suspected root cause, risk assessment, and fleet of vehicles involved. A recall decision was taken the same day.
• As of October 19, 2022, Tesla has identified 105 service repairs, including warranty claims, and no field reports for US vehicles that are or may be related to this condition. Tesla is not aware of any accidents, injuries or deaths related to this condition.

The good news is that the fix is ​​quite simple as described in the notice:

Tesla will inspect the reassembly of the second row left seat belt buckle and center seat belt anchor and, if necessary, secure the components to the correct specifications. The remedy will be provided free of charge.

Additionally, some customers may have already paid to fix this issue, and now that it has been determined to be a manufacturer defect, these Tesla owners are entitled to a refund.

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