Tesla Issues Recall for 9,136 Model X EVs Over Roof Trim Detachment Risk

Tesla announced a new recall affecting around 9,136 Model X electric vehicles (EVs) from the 2016 model year due to a persistent issue with roof trim that could potentially detach while driving. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the front and center roof cosmetic trim pieces on affected EVs may have been adhered to without proper primer, increasing the risk of separation over time. If the trim detaches while the vehicle is in motion, it could create a road hazard and potentially lead to accidents. 

As a result, this marks the second recall for the same problem since 2020, highlighting Tesla’s ongoing efforts to address safety concerns in its early production of EVs.

Tesla has stated that it is aware of roughly 170 reports and claims related to this issue but has not received any reports of crashes or injuries directly tied to the problem. The recall entails Model X EVs produced from the start of production through July 31, 2016, when a change in the assembly process was implemented at a supplier to prevent this issue in later models.

As this recall requires a physical fix, it departs from Tesla’s usual approach of addressing issues through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Affected owners will need to bring their EVs to Tesla service centers, where technicians will test the adhesion of the roof trim and reattach the pieces as necessary, free of charge.

The re-issuance of this recall comes after Tesla determined that the original fix from 2020 was inadequate. The company conducted aging tests including heat and humidity exposure, which revealed that the previous remedy was not robust enough to detect all cosmetic roof trim pieces that may detach due to lack of primer.

Notably, Tesla recently initiated a major safety recall affecting around 1.8 million EVs in the United States (U.S.), addressing a software issue that could prevent the detection of an unlatched hood. Also, the NHTSA shut down its investigation into alleged front suspension failures in certain Tesla Model S and Model X EVs without issuing a recall.

Read More: NHTSA Shuts Down Investigation Into Tesla Model S And X Suspension Failures Without Recall

As Tesla continues to address these manufacturing and design challenges, the company remains focused on enhancing the safety and reliability of its EVs. The company plans to begin notifying affected owners by mail starting October 14, 2024.

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