Tesla Recalling 1500 Model Xs Citing Steering Issues

U.S based electric car maker Tesla Inc. (TSLA) has recalled 15,000 Model X SUVs citing potential steering issues which can lead to a loss of control steering assist making steering harder hence, probably, increasing the probability of an accident.

According to both Transport Canada and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the aluminum bolts connecting the electric power steering gear assist motor to the gear box, can corrode and break resulting to a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.

Tesla said this recall only involves the 2016 Model X, a majority of them being those built before October 2016 hence any Tesla vehicle built after the date won’t be affected by the recall.

This recall includes 14,193 U.S. vehicles and 843 in Canada, NHTSA said there have been no crashes or injuries they are aware of associated with this issue. On the other hand Transport Canada says Tesla will be replacing the aluminum bolts and if need be they will also replace the steering gear.

This marks the second time Tesla is issuing such a recall, back in March 2018, the firm recalled 123,000 Model S cars built before April 2016 to change their steering assist motor bolts.

Tesla said it has noticed excessive corrosion on the aluminum bolts connecting attaching the components to the steering gear in the affected model. These cases are rampant with vehicles in very cold climates using road salts.

The company says it will give owners information on when the replacement will be done after the parts are available. In the meantime drivers of the Model X SUVs have been advised to continue operating the cars before the issue is fixed.