A recent safety notice reveals that Tesla had to initiate a recall affecting 159 vehicles due to an inadvertent mix-up in the production and service processes. Technicians accidentally used airbags intended for the steering wheel with components designed for a different steering wheel configuration, creating a mismatch that could compromise airbag deployment in a crash. This issue came to light through reporting from Carscoops and prompted the automaker to review and repair the affected units to restore standard safety performance. (Source: Carscoops)
The scope of the recall includes at least 159 cars, with particular attention drawn to certain Tesla Model S and Model X models where the steering wheel airbag was paired with components not originally specified for that steering wheel design. This configuration discrepancy raises concerns about whether the airbag would deploy correctly during an accident, potentially increasing the risk of injury. Tesla’s engineering and safety teams are conducting a thorough assessment to ensure that every affected vehicle is brought back to full functional safety, and owners are being advised to follow official recall instructions to arrange service appointments. (Source: Carscoops)
The investigation into the root cause began after the European service network identified nine cars showing the same mismatch, triggering a broader look across the fleet. The findings emphasize the importance of precise part compatibility in airbag systems and highlight how even a seemingly small part mismatch can have significant safety implications. Tesla has stated that it is working with regional service centers to replace or correctly configure the affected airbags and related hardware, while continuing to monitor for any similar complaints beyond the initial 159 vehicles. (Source: Carscoops)
In a separate note from the industry, it is mentioned that Moskvich historically did not execute recalls based on VIN tags alone, a practice that has drawn scrutiny in discussions about vehicle safety campaigns. The comparison underscores how recall strategies vary by manufacturer and region, and why comprehensive verification processes are essential to ensure every potentially affected vehicle receives timely corrective action. (Source: Automotive industry records)