Tesla Recalls Over 7,600 Vehicles Due to Possible Seatbelt Issues

Tesla issued two new recalls for its electric vehicles in the U.S. for issues related to seatbelts.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notice, one of the recalls pertains to certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. According to the notice, one or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar many be improperly attached. In the worst case, this may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed and could increase the risk of injury.

Tesla said in a notice that it was unaware of any crash or injury related to this condition. The number of cars potentially impacted by the issue is 5,530, and only an estimated 1 percent of this population is said to have this defect.

A second recall was issued for certain 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles related to issues with the seat belt fastener, NHTSA said. Specifically, one or both of the fasteners that secure the left and right second row seat belt retractors may not have been properly attached. According to NHTSA, improperly attached fasteners may prevent the seat belt retention system from operating as necessary and could result in injury.

Tesla said in a notice that it was unaware of any crash or injury related to this condition. The company said that 2,166 vehicles may have been impacted by this issue, and said customers can look out for “abnormal noise or behavior” that could indicate an issue.

NHTSA said that Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners on these select vehicles, free of charge. In total, 7,696 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the U.S. have been impacted by these seatbelt issues.

This is the third recall issued by Tesla this week. On Wednesday, NHTSA said that the electric automaker is recalling 5,974 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over concerns that the brake caliper bolts in these models may loosen over time, resulting in loss of tire pressure.

In other news, Tesla CEO Elon Musk defended the company’s rising car prices, pointing to “major supply chain price pressure industry-wide.”