Tesla Safety Recalls for Safety Systems and Seat Belts

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver. Tesla is also recalling 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

Both recalls of more than 17,000 vehicles in total were made public today when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the required filing documents for safety recalls.

Chronology as Filed With NHTSA

• Beginning on May 23, 2023, and continuing through June 9, 2023, Tesla investigated an increase in the number of certain MY 2023 Model S, Model X and Model Y customer vehicles with forward-facing cameras whose pitch angle was out of specification. (No reason was given for why this was necessary, but see below.)
• From June 9, 2023, to July 7, 2023, Tesla reviewed camera pitch angle data to assess the suspected root cause.
• In addition, Tesla began a risk assessment and also began a review of design specifications, manufacturing records and available vehicle data to identify the scope of a potentially affected vehicle population.
• On July 7, 2023, Tesla completed its investigation and confirmed the suspected root cause, risk assessment, and affected vehicle population. A voluntary recall determination was made on the same day.
• As of July 14, 2023, Tesla has identified 83 warranty claims and 2 field reports (received between June 8, 2023, and July 13, 2023) that may be related to the condition described above. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths that may be related to this condition.

The Remedy

Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-23-17-006. NHTSA 23V489.

Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-23-20-004. NHTSA 23V488.