Tesla Motors Inc. said on April 11 that it’s recalling 2,700 Model X sport utility vehicles because strength tests done by the automaker revealed issues with the third-row seats.
“Recently, during an internal seat strength test that was conducted prior to the start of Model X deliveries in Europe, the recliner in a third row Model X seat unexpectedly slipped,” Tesla said in an e-mail to affected customers, all of whom are in the U.S. “Until the recall is performed, you may make full use of your Model X, although we ask that you temporarily not have anyone sit in the third row seats while the car is in use.”
Tesla began delivering the Model X in September. The voluntary recall covers vehicles that were made before March 26. Tesla is now constructing new third-row seat backs and expects to replace them all within five weeks.
“This is out of an abundance of caution for our customers,” said Jon McNeil, Tesla’s president of sales and service. “There have been no issues with any failures in the field.”
Tesla has brought some of its seat manufacturing in-house. Futuris SA is the supplier of the Model X’s third-row seats, and Tesla said it’s holding Futuris responsible for the costs.
McNeil said that Model X production remains on track and that the voluntary recall will not affect the production rate.
In November, Tesla recalled 90,000 Model S sedans to check seat belts.
