2016 Tesla Model S, Model X: Recall Alert
CARS.COM
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 31,500 model-year 2016 Tesla Model S electric sedans and Model X electric SUVs manufactured between February and October 2016 and containing a small gear from a third-party supplier
The Problem: A manufacturing issue with the electric parking brake could prevent the brake from releasing, Tesla stated. If one of the improperly manufactured gears in the parking brake calipers were to break, the parking brake would continue to keep the car from moving, but would be stuck in place. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if the gear fractures during parking brake application, the brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in a rollaway and increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla said it is unaware of any reports of the parking brake system failing to hold a parked vehicle or to stop a vehicle in an emergency as a result of this issue, and the issue has no impact on the vehicle’s regular braking system. The automaker also noted that less than 5 percent of gears in vehicles built during the specified time period were manufactured improperly.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the electric parking brake calipers for free.
What Owners Should Do: Tesla will begin notifying owners this month. The automaker said owners would receive notice by email and that it expects to have sufficient parts to repair all affected vehicles by October 2017. Tesla also instructed owners that it is safe to continue regular use of their vehicle. Owners can call the automaker at 877-798-3752 or NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov to check your vehicle identification number and learn more.
Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on April 24, 2017, to include new information from NHTSA.
