Tesla has issued a recall for a small number of Model 3 sedans from model years 2018 through 2019 because their suspensions can separate. The recall affects just 422 cars.
Tesla tells federal safety officials that the fasteners connecting front suspension components to the car’s frame can loosen over time. If the fastener becomes loose enough, “wheel alignment could shift and cause instability,” making the car difficult to control.
As the fasteners loosen, Tesla says, owners may notice abnormal noises coming from the front wheels.
The company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.
Tesla technicians will test the torque of the fasteners in the affected vehicles. If any fasteners are loose, technicians will adjust them to the proper torque. If they find any separated or damaged components, they will replace them.
Tesla’s notice to the federal government doesn’t specify whether the company’s mobile repair teams can conduct this test at owners’ homes or whether owners must bring the affected cars into a service center for inspection.
Recall repairs are always free.
Automakers recall many cars to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. They try to contact every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, but they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
