Tesla recalls 3,470 Model Y vehicles produced last year after loose bolts discovered

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Tesla announced it would recall 3,470 Model Y vehicles in the United States after discovering that screws securing the second-row seatback frames may be loose.

A filing released Saturday showed the manufacturer filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday. The potentially affected vehicles were produced between May 23, 2022 and February 5, 2023.

The NHTSA said loose seat frame bolts can reduce seat belt system performance, leading to an increased risk of injury during an accident.

Tesla’s filing states that the second-row seatback frames are attached to the lower seat frame with four bolts per seatback — and one or more of the bolts “may not have been tightened to specification.”

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Tesla Model Y electric vehicles in a parking lot at the Tesla Inc. Gigafactory in Gruenheide, Germany, on Saturday, January 21, 2023. (Liesa Johannssen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In the recall report, Tesla indicated that the issue could potentially be identified when the second row seatbacks do not fold properly or rattle during normal operation.

Customers with affected models can bring their vehicles to a Tesla retail store or service center for a free inspection. Tesla said it will examine the bolts that secure the second-row driver’s and passenger’s seatback frames and tighten them to specifications if necessary.

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Tesla Model Y all-electric crossover SUV with large touchscreen on dashboard exhibited at Brussels Expo on January 13, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Sjord van der Wal/Getty Images))

On February 23, the manufacturer identified five warranty claims received between December 9 and February 14 and reported conditions related to the recall.

After the initial complaint in early December, Tesla said it had implemented enhanced process controls and training and monitoring to ensure bolts were tightened to specifications going forward.

Tesla said there were no known injuries or deaths that could be related to the issue.

Tesla Model Y manufactured by American automaker Tesla, Inc. exhibited at the Tesla booth at Hong Kong International MotorXpo on December 7, 2022 in Hong Kong, China. (Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Tesla retail outlets and service centers across the country have been notified of the recall as of February 28.

Owner notification letters will also be sent on April 25, 2023.