Tesla is recalling over 140,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to safety concerns regarding a potentially faulty seat belt component. The recall, which affects vehicles manufactured between 2018 and 2022, is the largest in Tesla’s history. The issue is related to the front seat belt retractors, which may fail in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation into the issue in October 2021 after receiving numerous complaints from Tesla owners about seat belt failures. The agency found that the issue was caused by the use of a faulty component in the seat belt assemblies, and that the defect affected a large number of vehicles. Tesla issued a voluntary recall on February 17, 2023, and will begin notifying affected customers in the coming weeks.
This is not the first time that Tesla has faced safety concerns related to its vehicles. The company has previously been the subject of investigations by the NHTSA and other agencies regarding issues such as battery fires and sudden acceleration. While Tesla has often defended its safety record and pointed to the relatively low number of incidents compared to the total number of vehicles on the road, the company has faced criticism for its handling of safety issues and the transparency of its reporting.
Despite these concerns, Tesla’s sales have continued to grow in recent years, driven by strong demand for its electric vehicles and its expanding global footprint. The company has also continued to invest heavily in new technologies and features for its vehicles, such as autonomous driving capabilities and advanced safety systems. With the continued growth of the electric vehicle market, Tesla’s position as a leader in the industry is likely to remain secure, but the company will need to address safety concerns and other issues if it wants to maintain the trust of its customers and investors.
