Nearly 16,000 Model S and Model X affected by Tesla Seatbelt Recall

Key Points

• 💺 Tesla is recalling around 16,000 Model S and Model X units due to an issue with seat belts.
• 🚗 Certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles have front-row seat belts that may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, potentially causing them to detach.
• 🛠️ Tesla will inspect and connect both first-row seat belts to pretensioner anchors to specification, or replace the entire assembly if necessary, at no cost to the customer.
• 🚀 Tesla is also conducting a smaller recall of 1,337 units of the 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles, related to a misaligned forward-facing camera affecting active safety features.

Tesla recalls nearly 16,000 Model S and Model X vehicles due to seatbelt issue

Tesla is conducting a recall for approximately 16,000 units of the Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that these vehicles may have front-row seat belts that are not properly connected to the pretensioner anchors, potentially leading to detachment.

In the Safety Recall Report, it is noted that if a first-row seat belt is not connected to its pretensioner anchor as per specifications, the belt may disconnect from the anchor when pulled up and away during normal use to fasten the belt to the buckle.

This recall affects both front seats of the Model S and Model X. Tesla will address the issue by inspecting and correctly connecting both first-row seat belts to the pretensioner anchors. If necessary, the entire assembly will be replaced free of charge to the customer.

As of June 19, Tesla has identified 12 warranty claims related to this issue, with no field reports of seatbelt problems. The company has confirmed that no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with this seatbelt concern.

Additionally, Tesla opened another smaller recall of the 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. This recall deals with the forward-facing camera, which may be misaligned and could cause “some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.”

This recall affects 1,337 units, and Tesla was able to identify 83 warranty claims and 2 field reports with the issue. There were no injuries, deaths, or crashes related to the condition, the NHTSA said in its Safety Recall Report.

Tesla will remedy this by adjusting the pitch angle of the cameras on affected vehicles.

More often than not, Tesla deals with “recall” reports with its vehicles that are remedied through Over-the-Air software updates and not through physical fixes performed by Service Centers.

CEO Elon Musk has called for a redefinition of a recall since many vehicle issues can be solved with Software Updates.