The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and
Transport Canada said aluminum bolts that attach the electric
power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode
and break causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering
assist.
The recall applies to 2016 model year X vehicles. Tesla said the
vehicles being recalled include most Model X vehicles built
before mid-October 2016, but the move does not affect vehicles
built after that date.Tesla issued a similar recall in March
2018 for 123,000 Model S vehicles worldwide built before April
2016 that called for replacing steering assist motor bolts.
NHTSA said there are no known crashes or injuries associated
with the Model X recall. The recall covers 14,193 U.S. vehicles
and 843 in Canada. Tesla will arrange for the replacement of the
mounting bolts and will also replace the steering gear if
needed, Transport Canada said.
Tesla said it has "observed excessive corrosion on the bolts
that attach this component to the steering gear in affected
Model X vehicles" and primarily in areas with very cold climates
that use road salts. Tesla said if the bolts fail it would
require "more force to turn the steering wheel, especially
during low speed parking maneuvers."
Tesla said it was not aware of any injuries or collisions
relating to the power steering component.
Tesla added drivers can continue to operate their Model X SUVs
before the issue is addressed. Tesla said it will contact owners
to schedule appointments when parts are available.
Tesla said it will also apply a corrosion-preventative sealer in
all affected Model X vehicles to account for the possibility
that vehicles may later be used in cold climates.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.
(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chris
Reese and Matthew Lewis)
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