Tesla Inc. is recalling roughly 6,000 U.S. vehicles because brake caliper bolts could be loose, with the possibility to cause a loss of tire pressure, documents made public on Wednesday reveal.
The review covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. Tesla’s recording with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had no reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue and that the automaker will review and fix, or replace, the caliper bolts as needed.
Tesla said that loose caliper bolts could allow the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim, which could cause a loss of tire pressure in extremely rare conditions. The automaker said that, in highly unlikely circumstances there is vehicle damage from a loose or missing fastener, it will arrange a tow to the closest service center for repair.
The filing with NHTSA said Tesla was made aware in December of an incident involving a 2021 Model Y vehicle with a missing fastener on the driver-side back brake caliper.
The automaker has since taken measures to prevent the loosening of the bolts in the assembly process.
This is the second time in twelve months that Tesla had to recall vehicles. Last November, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into nearly 9,500 Tesla vehicles for manufacturing issues regarding roof trims and steering issues. The agency is also investigating 2015-2017 Model S and 2016-2017 Model X vehicles after receiving complaints regarding the front suspension fore links.
