Tesla’s luxury electric Model S and Model X cars have suddenly been recalled worldwide due to concerns that their parking brakes pose a possible safety threat. The major recall is cautionary and thankfully there have been no reported incidents, but Tesla wants to avoid last year’s debacle.
The vehicles being recalled are Model S and Model X vehicles built between February and October 2016, with Tesla endeavouring to do a rigorous testing of a third party part that could affect the efficacy of the parking brakes. The company is recalling 53,000 vehicles.
The company plans to notify relevant customers by mail, however Tesla emphasises that there is no need to panic. They also point out that this small issue will not affect the brakes in general: only the parking brake.
“In order to be overly cautious, we are going to be proactively replacing these parts to ensure that no issues arise,” Tesla announced in a statement.
“While less than 5% of the vehicles being recalled may be affected by this issue, we are recalling 53,000 vehicles total out of an abundance of caution,” the company said. “Because of the design of the gear, it is difficult to tell exactly which vehicles are affected.”
This is Tesla’s second largest recall to date. It is to the company’s credit that the recall is entirely cautionary, however, this has not affected the negative impact on the company’s image.
Unsurprisingly Tesla shares fell a strong 1.3% when the news was announced. Nonetheless, the company’s stock has rallied slightly since, trading at under 1% at US$302.51 when at close of play yesterday.
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