Over 15,000 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from the 2021 through 2023 model years are being recalled by Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) due to a potential issue with their front seat belts, which may lead to detachment. This poses a significant safety concern as occupants could be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the issue as a defective connection between the seat belt and the pretensioner, a safety mechanism that utilizes a controlled explosion to tighten the seat belt during a crash.
During an investigation, Tesla found that a number of seat belts had been disconnected from their pretensioner anchors as part of a repair and were not properly reconnected afterward.
Tesla told NHTSA it identified 12 warranty claims related to the recall, and no reports of crashes or injuries.
Tesla dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, reconnect the front seat belts to their pretensioner anchors or replace the seat belt assembly free of charge.
Tesla also announced a separate recall affecting over 1,300 of its 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles due to a camera-related problem. According to the company's recall report, certain vehicles may experience misalignment of the pitch angle in their forward-facing cameras. A misalignment could result in the non-availability of essential active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, all without providing the driver with any prior notification about their inaccessibility.
Customers can bring their vehicles to Tesla to have the camera angle adjusted where necessary.
Shares of TSLA are down 9.15% in afternoon trading on Thursday.