Tesla Recalls 90K Cars For Suspected Seatbelt Problem – No Accidents Or Injuries Reported So Far

Tesla has ordered recall of its 90,000 cars. The cars are suspected to have a seatbelt problem.

90,000 Tesla Model S cars, or in other words, all the cars the company ever made of the particular model, are being recalled to fix a potential defect in front seat belts, reported CNN. According to the company, the luxury electric vehicle could have a seat belt “that was not properly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.” The recall originated from a single complaint. Confirming the same, Tesla spokeswoman Khobi Brooklyn said the following.

“We have decided to conduct a voluntary recall as a proactive and precautionary measure to inspect all front Model S seat belts and make absolutely sure that they are properly connected.”

After a European owner of Tesla Model S reported an issue about the front seatbelt, Tesla has decided to recall all the Model S cars it ever built to inspect and fix the problem, if it exists. Interestingly, the customer who made the complaint experienced the seatbelt disconnecting when he turned to talk to a passenger in the rear seat of his Model S. The company suspects the problem lies within the outboard belt pretensioner, where the part’s anchor plates were not properly bolted together, reported CNet.

There have been no reported accidents or injuries arising out of the suspected seatbelt problem, confirmed the company through an email to all the car owners.

“This vehicle was not involved in a crash and there were no injuries. However, in the event of a crash, a seatbelt in this condition would not provide full protection.”

“If you are concerned about the status of your seatbelt prior to your scheduled inspection, you may be able to detect this condition by pulling very firmly on the lap portion of your seat belt with a force of at least 80 pounds. This procedure may detect an improperly attached seat belt but performing this procedure does not replace the need for an inspection by a Tesla technician.”

The company will ensure that none of the car owners are burdened and the recall as well as subsequent thorough inspection of the Model S will be completely free. To further assure its customers, Tesla added that so far, it has inspected over 3,000 cars and none of them had any issues, reported USA Today. However, any seatbelt that comes loose or detaches with movement isn’t a good sign for a safety device whose main purpose is to keep the driver secured in the event of a crash or strong external impact.

Hence, as an abundance of caution, Tesla has issued the recall of every Model S sedan the company has ever made. Technically, it is the largest recall for the company, but the company did recall 1,200 of its cars in June of 2013 to fix a seat back. It is covering every one of the battery-electric sedans built since the company began delivering the cars to its waitlisted customers. Delivery of the cars began in 2012, but customers had placed order for the powerful all-electric sports sedan a couple of years earlier. Back then, electric cars were infamous for their acceleration and top speed. But Tesla had assured its eager buyers that the Tesla Model S won’t be a sluggish electric car and the company has kept its promise. Multiple on-road tests prove that the all-electric car can go head to head with quite a few sports cars.

The ability to match today’s performance vehicles makes the seatbelt issue all the more prominent. The Tesla Model S is one of the safest cars, confirmed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when it gave the car the maximum possible 5-star safety rating.

As carmakers are under increasing pressure of rising recalls mandated by the NHTSA, Tesla has voluntarily recalled all of its cars. Will this move inspire confidence in the company?

[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]