Tesla will recall 2,822 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for a defect that may affect their front suspension. The issue affects sedans from the 2019-2021 model years and to the crossovers from the 2020-2021 model years.
The problem involves two fasteners that attach the front suspension lateral link to the subframe on the vehicles. An investigation found that the fasteners on some vehicles may loosen over time as a result of not being secured to the correct specification.
If they loosen enough or separate from the sub-frame, such that the lateral link also comes apart from the sub-frame, the wheel alignment could shift and cause instability, per NHTSA documents. That could adversely impact the vehicle’s control and increase the risk of a collision.
Read Also: Over 120,000 Ford Explorers Recalled As Rear Suspension Can Fail
The documents suggest that a loose fastener may cause an abnormal noise that could alert the driver to the presence of the issue.
Tesla will inspect all vehicles included in the recall population for proper torque specs on both fasteners affixing the lateral link to the sub-frame. A service representative will re-torque them to the correct specification and, in the event that damage to the vehicle has been caused by the defect, will replace damaged components.
In an attempt to prevent the issue from arising in any future vehicles, Tesla has added a multi-spindle tool, which tightens both fasteners to the subframe simultaneously, to the assembly line.
Tesla stores have been alerted to the issue and owner notification letters are being mailed out. Any repairs associated with the recall will be completed free of charge.
