The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (also known as NHTSA) has announced a recall for select Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. While the recall affects a tiny percentage of owners, it's still something to take note of and — if necessary — get fixed as soon as possible.
While Teslas are often praised for their robust technology and impressive battery range, that's not to say the vehicles are perfect. Just like any other automobile, Teslas aren't impervious to design flaws. This past January, for example, the NHTSA requested Tesla recall certain Model S and Model X units due to an issue with their displays and rearview cameras. To its credit, Tesla has made it incredibly easy for customers to see if they're impacted by an ongoing recall. All people need to do is visit the Tesla website, enter their VIN, and Tesla will alert them to any recalls they should be aware of.
It's good that a tool like that exists, because a new recall has just popped up for select Model 3 and Model Y units. The NHTSA officially announced the recall on May 25 as a result of loose brake caliper bolts. According to the administration, "Tesla is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim." If this happens, the NHTSA points out it can increase the risk of a crash. It's reported that a total of 5,974 units are potentially impacted between the Model 3 and Model Y, but among those, it's estimated that just 1 percent actually have the issue.
What Tesla Owners Should Do About The Recall
So, who exactly should worry about this recall? For Model 3 owners, the recall applies to units manufactured between December 16, 2018, and March 16, 2021. For the Model Y, units manufactured between January 14, 2020, and January 17, 2021, are potentially impacted. As mentioned above, Tesla has a page on its website where users can check recall statuses using nothing but their VIN. Just go to the VIN Recall Search page, enter the VIN, click 'Search,' and that's all there is to it.
For Model 3 and Model Y owners that are already certain their vehicle falls into those production dates, NHTSA recommends calling Tesla customer service and going from there. The recall number for this particular incident is "SB-21-33-002." NHTSA says that "Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as necessary, free of charge." There will likely be a surge of customers calling and scheduling appointments as news of the recall becomes more widespread, so it's best to get ahold of Tesla as quickly as possible and get an appointment booked.