Tesla is recalling Model X SUVs after discovering a flaw in the third-row seats of the production vehicles.
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The company e-mailed customers that the recliner hinge in the back row seats unexpectedly slipped during a pre-delivery test in Europe. The piece allows the seats to fold forward, and if it slipped during a crash the seats could jolt forward, the company said.
Tesla added that it conducted 15 similar tests before starting North American deliveries with no problems arising. Nonetheless, the company has chose to do a voluntary recall in what is considered to be a “precautionary measure” so it can replace all affected third row seat backs. It is now working on a new third row seat back for the affected vehicles.
Tesla said it worked with its supplier to develop a new recliner design with “improved quality” that resolves the issue. The changes to the all-electric saloon are relatively minor, consisting primarily of a restyled nose that apes the look of the recently revealed Model X – and to a lesser extent the upcoming Model 3. But Tesla says customers shouldn’t use the third row until it’s repaired. “So this would be an example of a front crash where the weight of the passenger seat belted to that seat could cause that latch to fail”, said Jon McNeill, president of sales and service at Tesla.
The recall is just the latest problem for the Model X, which was already late coming to market because of issues with the the independently operable second-row seats and with the so- called “falcon-wing” doors that open vertically.
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This has since led to calls for Tesla Motors to release a different Model 3 variant, or more so a hatchback version because the opening to the trunk is now too small – even though Elon Musk claims that you are able to fit a seven-foot surfboard inside. McNeill said Tesla expects to finish replacing the defective seats within five weeks at its factory-owned service centers. The current number of Model 3 reservations is absolutely staggering and Tesla will have no choice but to get as many Model 3s manufactured and out on the road as soon as humanly possible. “We will accelerate this timing if possible”, reads the email. Model X production has not been the easiest for the company, either.
