Tesla Recalls New Models Due to Seat Belt Issues
Tesla Recalls New Models of its Car as Seat Belt Issues Occur
Tesla INC (TSLA.O) is known for its efforts for worldly transition to green energy usage with its electric cars, solar and integrated renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses. As we head on to a more advanced world, Tesla’s vision is to become the most compelling car company of the 21st century by resorting to sustainable and renewable energy sources for its cars.
In the acceleration of the advent of sustainable transport and electric technology, Tesla leads the way for automakers into the future. However, Tesla has experienced one of its key problems and weaknesses: production.
In the latest business news, tesla recalls new models due to seat belt issues.
The Production Issue
In June, Tesla recalled nearly 6,000 U.S. new model vehicles for certain production issues during the manufacturing years of 2019 to 2021. This recall covered almost 5,530 vehicles of 2018 to 2020 Model 3 units and 2019 to 2021 Model Y cars. The issue is that fasteners securing the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached. On the other hand, Model Y units from 2019 to 2021 fasteners securing left and right second-row seat belt retractors may not be properly attached.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency within the U.S. Federal Government and part of the Department of Transportation. Its primary mission is to save lives, prevent any injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes within roads of the United States. According to Tesla’s report to NHTSA, it was not aware of any crashes nor injuries relating to the production issues of these units.
The first step in June was to recall 5,974 U.S. Model 3 of 2019-2021 units and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. Such a recalling statement from Tesla was referred to by the NHTSA. The recall was to take action to the brake calliper bolts as it was found to be loose and potentially cause a loss of tire pressure within units.
Tesla’s Course of Action
Tesla has taken quick action towards the two recalls in addressing the production issue. In the name of accountability, Tesla will begin to inspect the fasteners to confirm if its attachments are firm and secure enough as per the specifications. If necessary, Tesla will replace and repair the fastener attachments within these units. As per Tesla, the fasteners within these units may not have been confirmed to be secured as per its exact specifications during the assembly.
With the loose calliper bolts causing the loss of tire pressure, Tesla reported that they would inspect and tighten, and even replace, the calliper bolts if necessary. The loose calliper bolts allow the brake calliper to separate and contact the wheel rim which could resort to the loss of tire pressure. If there is an unlikely event of loose bolts, it will be subjected to an arrangement for a tow and transport to the nearest service centre for repair.
Tesla has taken up measures to prevent any more cases of loosening bolts in the assembly of its units. Tesla also declared to its customers not to book service for a hardware fix to their touchscreens or MCUs. This is unless they are experiencing any troublesome issues with their devices that cannot be resolved by updating the existing firmware or rebooting its entire system.
Tesla Recalls News Models: The Role of U.S. Regulators
Earlier this year, Tesla also recalled 134, 951 Model S and X units due to common touchscreen failures that led to the loss of several safety-related features while driving. The problem was because of the memory chip in the media control unit (MCU) which affected the range of safety issues. The issues include the loss of rear-view camera images, control for heating and air conditioning. Additionally, the potential loss of audible chimes and alerts within its indicators also occurred. Tesla acknowledged this issue, however, argued that if the display was not working, the driver should resort to manually using the mirrors of the unit.
Tesla received much criticism and pressure from U.S. regulators, especially from NHTSA for the frequent production issues. The agency conducted an investigation into the problems whether defining them as a collective or isolated case only. However, NHTSA has not yet concluded its investigation,, but Tesla already conducted a voluntary recall to address the issue.
Tesla’s Compensations
Tesla has not yet said when or how they shall notify the owners of affected vehicles by the production issue. However, as a form of compensation, Tesla shall be tightening and or replacing bolts for free. Furthermore, the company has committed reimbursements for many customers that have already paid service centres for repairing or replacing their eMCUs.
Still, the support service Tesla provides still stands. Each Tesla comes with a 4-year warranty. If a customer’s Tesla is included in an announced recall, the service to address the issue shall be provided free of charge regardless of its age and mileage. This serves as Tesla’s compensation to its customers whether a problem or issue within units is encountered.
Tesla is continuously conducting recalls to ensure its units and customers’ safety along the road is their responsibility. The automaker’s course of action towards the aforementioned issues are all part of its vision, to have safe and protected travels along roads and a sustainable solution in every problem.
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