- A small batch of Model Ys faces recall after engineers investigated a seat recliner failure.
- A weak weld in the seat mechanism compromises the integrity of the front passengers.
- Service centers will replace the faulty seat assemblies at no cost to owners.
Tesla is recalling approximately two dozen Model Ys built in late October after discovering a seat issue that could increase the risk of injury in a crash, just the latest in a string of quality control hiccups for the EV maker.
Since its debut, the Tesla Model Y has been the top-selling electric vehicle globally, and one might expect that by now, Tesla would have perfected the car’s finer details. However, a small issue has cropped up with Model Ys built between October 28 and October 30, 2024. The problem centers around the seats, specifically the welds attaching the recliner mechanism to the seat back. If the welds are insufficient, it could compromise the seat’s integrity, potentially failing to properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash.
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Owners of affected Model Ys will likely notice if something’s amiss. Loose or rattling seats, resistance when reclining, or an inability to fully recline could all signal the problem. In total, 27 Model Ys are involved in this recall.
Tesla’s engineers first began investigating a seat recliner failure on October 29 when the factory’s welding equipment generated multiple non-conformances. The carmaker spent the following week investigating the fault and later completed a weld analysis to characterize the condition and identify vehicles that may be impacted. Tesla has not received any warranty claims related to the potentially dodgy seats.
Recall Notifications Begin in January
All Tesla stores and service centers were informed about the recall on November 26, 2024, while owners will be alerted starting January 21, 2025. Owners of impacted models will need to bring their Model Ys to a service center where the seat assembly will be replaced with a certified one, free of charge.
Word of this recall comes just a couple of weeks after Tesla launched the sixth recall involving the all-electric Cybertruck. In that case, vehicles need to be repaired because of a fault that may develop within the drive inverter.
