Tesla is recalling some imported Model S and Model X electric vehicles with immediate effect, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website.
These vehicles have varying degrees of suspension safety hazards and the total number of units is in the tens of thousands.
The details are as follows.
(i) Recall certain imported Model S and Model X vehicles with production dates between September 17, 2013 and August 16, 2017, for a total of 29,193 vehicles.
Some of the vehicles included in this recall will develop an initial crack in the front suspension rear linkage ball cone bolt when subjected to a large external impact, which may extend and cause the ball cone bolt to break upon continued use of the vehicle.
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In extreme cases, the ball cone can become dislodged from the steering knuckle, compromising vehicle handling and increasing the risk of an accident and posing a safety hazard.
Tesla Motors (Beijing) Co., Ltd. will replace the left and right front suspension rear linkage free of charge for the vehicles in the recall to eliminate the potential safety hazard.
(ii) Recall of certain imported Model S vehicles with production dates between September 17, 2013 and January 15, 2018, totaling 19,249 vehicles.
Some of the vehicles included in this recall may experience deformation of the upper linkage of the rear suspension when subjected to large external shocks, which can further weaken the component when the vehicle continues to be used.This can break in extreme cases, affecting the vehicle's handling and increasing the risk of an accident and posing a safety hazard.
Tesla Motors (Beijing) Co., Ltd. will replace the modified left and right rear upper suspension linkage free of charge for the vehicles in the recall to eliminate the safety hazard.
Before the recall is repaired, owners are advised to drive with caution and contact a service center as soon as possible after the recall begins to repair the vehicle.
The number of vehicles that need to be recalled to replace both the front and rear suspension upper linkage is 18,608, 10,585 only for the front rear linkage and 641 only for the rear upper linkage.
The recall is being conducted in the context of a defect investigation initiated by the State Administration of Market Supervision. As a result of the investigation, Tesla Motors (Beijing) Co., Ltd. has decided to take recall measures to eliminate the safety hazard.
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