Tesla recalls 123,000 Model S cars
Tesla issues a voluntary recall for pre-April 2016 Model S cars
Tesla has issued a voluntary recall for Model S vehicles built prior to April 2016, this is due to reports from some owners regarding the corrosion of power steering bolts when regularly exposed to road salts, used to melt snow and ice on roads.
Tesla stated that there have been no accidents or collisions reported in relation to the issue and the voluntary recall was a precautionary measure.
Models manufactured after April 2016 are unaffected, as are Model X SUVs.
The bolts, manufactured by German supplier Bosch, can corrode in cold temperatures and contact with road salt. The issue has been reported by Model S owners in on-line forums.
As noted in the email in question to customers from Tesla: “We have observed excessive corrosion in the power steering bolts, though only in very cold climates, particularly those that frequently use calcium or magnesium road salts, rather than sodium chloride (table salt).”
Tesla stated that even if the bolts were to fail, steering would still be competent, just requiring more force to steer.
The retrofit process only takes around an hour, according to Tesla.
