In a recent email sent out by Tesla->ke1842 customer service, it was announced that Tesla was issuing a voluntary safety->ke2860 recall related to the third seating row in the new Tesla Model X. The flaw involves the locking mechanism for the seat back, and the possibility that it could slip under extreme stress.

The recliner was supplied by an outside supplier and was found to be potentially defective during testing before the company began delivering the Model X->ke4202 in Europe. According to the email, Tesla claims to have conducted 15 tests for North American models prior to their delivery without any indication of failure. Despite the fact that North American models passed testing, and there have been no reported instances of failure, Tesla decided to issue the voluntary recall anyway.

It has been reported that Tesla has worked with its supplier to redesign the recliner mechanism, and is currently working on constructing new seatbacks for each affected vehicle. Service centers will contact affected parties in the near future to schedule the installation of a new seatback, and Tesla expects production of all replacement seatbacks to be done within the next five weeks, if not sooner. Tesla is advising current owners to continue using their Model X as they normally would, but to refrain from using the third row of seating until the recall can be performed.

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Why it matters

It’s unfortunate anytime a vehicle has to be recalled, but you’ve got to hand it to Tesla for identifying a problem and putting things into motion to fix it before someone actually gets hurt. Furthermore, I commend the brand for sending out preliminary emails, which obviously got the word out quicker than waiting for the official recall notices to go out. Even though Tesla said that the North American models passed testing before delivery, I suggest Model X owners heed Tesla’s warning and hold off on using that rear-most seat for now. I know I wouldn’t want the seat back to fold on me in the unfortunate event of a collision.

Tesla Model X

Read our full review on the Tesla Model X here.