Tesla has announced the recall of 422 Model 3 sedans that were built during the 2018 and 2019 model years. The recall was initiated due to a potential suspension problem related to the fasteners that hold the front suspension lateral links to the subframe. These fasteners have the potential to become loose over time, which could lead to a separation of the lateral link from the subframe. If the separation occurs, it may result in a sudden loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision.
According to the defect report, the gradual loosening of fasteners may result in instability in the wheel alignment, ultimately affecting vehicle controllability and elevating the risk of collisions. While not explicitly identifying the root cause of the problem, the company has limited the recall to vehicles with specific torque and angle record characteristics, which correspond to the reported cases of loose hardware by customers. The report suggests that customers have reported problems with the fasteners as early as 2019.
The affected vehicles will undergo a thorough inspection by the Tesla Service team to confirm the proper torque of the fasteners that secure the front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame. In the event that any missing or loose fasteners are detected during the inspection, Tesla Service will correct the problem by re-torquing the fastener to the required specification. If the inspection uncovers damage as a result of a loose or missing fastener, Tesla Service will replace the damaged component.
In May, Tesla will send notifications to the owners of the affected vehicles. Customers who have previously paid to have the issue resolved prior to the recall announcement are entitled to reimbursement and should get in touch with their Tesla service representative to facilitate the process. It’s worth noting that this recall cannot be addressed through an over-the-air update.