Tesla physically recalls over 24,000 Model 3 vehicles for seat belt buckle issue

28 October 2022

In our world of more and more ubiquitous car software updates, the term "recall" gets used a lot for such things, because when it was coined, there were no software updates to speak of. So, most of the recall stories you read nowadays, especially those regarding Tesla models, are actually about a new bug fixing software update, if we might use that terminology.

The one we're talking about today, however, isn't. This is a 'real', 'physical' recall of 24,064 Tesla Model 3 vehicles manufactured from 2017 until today. If you own one of the affected cars in the US, Tesla has probably already sent you an email notifying you about the issue - if not, expect one very soon.

In the email, the company says it decided to "proactively recall" the cars in order "to inspect the assembly of the second-row left-hand seat belt buckle and the center seat belt anchor to ensure components are fastened to specification".

In its own defect notice, the NHTSA reveals that the problem isn't a manufacturing fault, but something that may have been caused by a service:

Servicing certain components in Model 3 vehicles requires disassembly of the second-row left seat belt buckle and center seat belt anchor, both of which are fastened with the same bolt. Both components may have been incorrectly reassembled after disassembly during a service action.

The fix is simple, even if your car does have the problem:

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

Tesla became aware of this problem in August, when it started receiving customer and service technician complaints about the second-row center seat belt anchor not being secured after repairs that required its disassembly and reassembly. The company investigated the claims in August and September and found 105 occurrences of incorrect reassembly after service in the US. The suspected root issue was confirmed on October 14, and Tesla's assessment revealed that 24,064 cars might be affected. And now the ball's already rolling on the recall.

Via