Tesla has voluntarily recalled 123,000 of its Model S sedans built before April 2016 over a power steering issue. The recall is global and affected owners all around the world have been receiving emails telling them to get their vehicle checked out.
According to email, Tesla found excessive corrosion in the power steering bolts. The corrosion is primarily occurring in cars driven in cold climates where road salt is used. The email mentions that the global recall is a proactive move and that no accidents or injuries have been caused due to the issue.
Fixing the bolts will take around an hour and the company will inform the owners when the parts are available in their area. Other Tesla vehicles- Model X, Model 3 and Model S built after April 2016 are not affected.
What if bolts fail? Tesla writes in the email that the driver will still be able to steer the car, but an increased force is required due to loss or reduction of power assist, primarily in parallel parking or when owners are driving at low speeds. “It does not materially affect control at high speed, where only small steering wheel force is needed,” added the company.
It marks company’s largest recall to date. Tesla recalled the same vehicle in 2015 over the faulty seat belt where 90,000 owners were affected and 53,000 (including Model X) last year over a parking brake fault. The company again recalled 11,000 Model X over a faulty cable in the second-row seating in October.