Sign up
Subscribe to our Blind-Spot Monitor newsletters to catch up on all the top automotive stories of the week Subscribe to our Blind-Spot Monitor newsletters to catch up on all the top automotive stories of the week Sign up now>

Tesla recalls Model 3, Y after bolts loosened, not tightened, during assembly

In Canada, some 270 vehicles will have to be checked for loose link bolts in their suspension

Jil McIntosh
Nov 01, 2021  •  1 day ago  •  1 minute read  •  Join the conversation
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3

Tesla is recalling just over 2,800 copies of its Model 3 and Model Y, including 270 in Canada, for front suspension bolts that could loosen and potentially result in a loss of vehicle stability.

Story continues below

The recall affects certain 2019, 2020, and 2021 Model 3s; and 2020 and 2021 Model Ys.

In its report to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla said its quality team had found 39 service repairs during production of the two models, in which one or both of the front suspension lateral link fasteners were loose or missing. After the company confirmed what it suspected was causing the issue – it seems that if the assembly worker unsuccessfully tried to tighten the bolt too many times, it could actually loosen it – Tesla made a decision on October 18, 2021 to issue a recall.

At the production level, Tesla now uses a multi-spindle tool to tighten the fasteners. For those who already have a Model 3 or Y in the driveway, there’s no over-the-air update for this one — you’ll have to arrange for the car to go to a Tesla service facility, where a technician will check the fasteners and, if necessary, tighten or replace them.

Story continues below

More On This Topic

  1. How to check if your car has been recalled

    How to check if your car has been recalled

  2. Hertz places 100,000-rental-car order with Tesla for end of 2022

    Hertz places 100,000-rental-car order with Tesla for end of 2022

In worst-case scenario, the fastener could fail, and the lateral link could separate from the subframe. This would affect the car’s alignment and cause instability. Fortunately, it appears that hasn’t actually happened to anyone. In its report, Tesla said that if the fasteners do come loose, the driver should hear an “abnormal noise” from the front end.

Tesla will be sending letters to all registered owners of affected vehicles, with instructions on how to get the car fixed. The manufacturer’s recall number is SB-21-31-003, and Transport Canada’s recall number is 2021-649. If you’re not sure if your vehicle is affected, you can call Tesla’s customer service at 1-877-798-3752, or check Transport Canada’s database .

Trending