Tesla Recalls Cars Over Loose Bolt Problem

Some Tesla drivers are being asked to bring their cars in for a second look after the company flagged a defect that could increase the chance of an accident.

Tesla recently recalled 6,000 cars that it said could unexpectedly lose tire pressure, thanks to loose brake caliper bolts. The recall covers certain 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles, as well as 2020-2021 Model Ys.

“The brake calipers of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles are attached to the wheel knuckle using two fasteners,” Tesla said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If a fastener is not secured to the correct specification, the fastener may loosen over time and, in very rare circumstances, may become loose enough or separate from the knuckle such that the caliper makes contact with the inner surface of the wheel rim.”

That is a problem. 

“While we are not aware of any crash or injury resulting from this condition, in very rare circumstances, if a fastener becomes loose enough or separates from the knuckle such that the caliper makes contact with the inner surface of the wheel rim, the wheel may be prevented from freely rotating, which may cause loss of tire pressure and may increase the risk of a crash,” Tesla added.

Production workers may have inadvertently loosened fasteners while building recalled cars, according to Tesla. The company said it will ask owners to bring their cars to a dealer to have the bolts inspected and tightened. 

Legal Rights for Tesla Owners in California

Although Tesla said it is not aware of any accidents caused by the loose bolt defect, the recall comes amid rising concerns about the safety of the company’s vehicles and Tesa’s popular Autopilot assisted driving function.

It appears no one was behind the wheel of a Model S when it recently slammed into a tree in Houston, killing two men in the car. A Florida driver had Autopilot engaged in his Tesla when the vehicle drove beneath a semitrailer, causing a crash that killed him, according to NHTSA. A Tesla sport utility vehicle driver reportedly using Autopilot mode was similarly killed in California in 2018 when the car collided with a freeway barrier near Redwood City.

Millions of vehicles are recalled by Tesla and other manufacturers around the globe for a wide range of defects that put everyone on the road at risk. The good news for many California car owners and lessors is that you do not have to wait for a recall to get your car fixed.

The California lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back or replace cars that they cannot or will not fix.

How a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights and lay out your options for making sure that the manufacturer is held fully accountable.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney today.