Notebookcheck Logo

Tesla Model S and X seat belt recall forces over 15k electric vehicles into service centres over injury risk

The Tesla Model S is currently Tesla's sportiest vehicle on sale. (Image source: Tesla)
The Tesla Model S is currently Tesla's sportiest vehicle on sale. (Image source: Tesla)
Tesla has announced that it is recalling upwards of 15,000 of its Model S and Model X EVs after the company found that the front-row seat belt fasteners could have been improperly tightened after repairs. So far, neither Tesla nor the NHTSA have connected any deaths or injuries to the potentially loose hardware.

Tesla has a long history of recalls behind its electric vehicles. While many of Tesla's recalls are resolvable by software updates and don't require a trip to a service centre, a number of the company's more recent recalls have been hardware-related, meaning a dealer visit is needed. A recent issue with Tesla Model X an S seat belts has resulted in a voluntary recall that will need a physical visit to a nearby service centre, according to Consumer Reports.

The issue at hand pertains to select 2021 to 2023 Model S and X vehicles. In affected vehicles, the front-row seat belt anchors may not have been correctly refastened when a previous repair was performed. To resolve this issue, Tesla recommends owners of the pertinent models use the Tesla VIN Recall Search page or the NHTSA VIN Recall Search tool to determine whether their vehicle needs an inspection.

Additionally, Tesla advises that drivers can check for the issue themselves while they wait for an appointment at a local Tesla service centre.

However, if you are concerned about the status of your seat belt prior to your scheduled inspection, you may be able to detect this condition by pulling very firmly on the lap portion of your seat belt with a force of at least 15 pounds.This procedure may detect an improperly attached seat belt but performing this procedure does not replace the need for an inspection by a Tesla Technician.

The company doesn't say how this helps the user determine whether their seat belt anchor is loose, but, presumably, there will be some play or wiggling in the seat belt when performing this check. The recall affects exactly 15,869 vehicles, which makes up roughly 14% of the 121,605 Model S and X vehicles sold between 2021 and 2023.

Buy a Hot Wheels RC 1:64 Scale Tesla Cybertruck Rechargeable Radio-Controlled Racing Car on Amazon.

static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 07 > Tesla Model S and X seat belt recall forces over 15k electric vehicles into service centres over injury risk
Julian van der Merwe, 2023-07-22 (Update: 2023-07-22)