The ones affected are those built before March 26 at the company’s plant in Fremont, California.
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While this is the first recall for the Model X, it’s not unique for Tesla, which has seen multiple recalls for its Model S sedan and its Roadster.
According to a copy of the email sent by Tesla to affected vehicle owners, the recliner in the third row of the Model X seat slipped unexpectedly while conducting an internal seat strength test on the unit.
Model X’s third-row seats were supplied by Futuris-a subsidiary of Australian company Clearlake Capital Group.
In an email to customers, Tesla said that the third row of seats in the Model X would be replaced.
Tesla said it conducted 15 similar tests before starting deliveries in North America, and not one time did the recliner fail.
Tesla told Model X owners that they may continue using the vehicle, but advised passengers not to sit in the third-row seats while the auto is in motion. The Model 3 pre-orders involve a deposit of $1,000 by prospective buyers of the vehicle which is expected to cost $35,000.
Just as Tesla enthusiasts are waiting for the Model X online design studio to become available to non-reservation holders today, Tesla announced that it is recalling the Model X over a weakness in the third-row seat.
Tesla said it was issuing the recall in an abundance of caution in the United States even though it was not mandated to do so.
The problem was caused by a manufacturing defect in a seat part called the recliner, McNeil said, and not an inherent design flaw in the seat. “In other words, if Tesla is bumping up against the 200,000 limit near the end of the 4th quarter of 2017 – when Model 3 production is scheduled to begin”.
TSLA stock was rallying during early trading hours on the back of reports that Model S would soon receive several feature upgrades.
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The company estimates all replacements to be completed on a rolling basis over the next five weeks.
