Tesla has issued a recall for about 16,000 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from model years 2021 through 2023 because their first-row seatbelts may not be correctly attached to a pretensioner device that helps them perform in an accident.
The company tells federal safety regulators, “If a seat belt is not connected to its pretensioner anchor to specification,” it “may not perform as designed in an accident.” The problem can occur with either or both first-row seatbelts.
The company says the belts may detach during the standard latching procedure, letting owners know of the problem. But, if you receive a recall notice, don’t wait for the seatbelt to detach to deal with it. Tesla is unaware of injuries related to the problem, but the potential should be obvious.
Tesla will inspect the belts and connect them properly or replace them if that can’t be done.
Recall repairs are always free.
Automakers recall many cars to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. While automakers try to reach every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, they rarely get them all. Millions of cars on American roads need free recall repairs. Check the easy VIN tool at our recall center to determine if your car is one of them.
