Tesla Recalls Over 9K Model X Units Over Roof Issue

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Facts

• Electric automaker Tesla has issued a recall for 9.1K Model X SUVs over an issue with cosmetic roof trim separating from the vehicle. This is the second time the company has issued a recall over the same issue, doing so in 2020.^[1]
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that the recall affects Model Xs produced in 2016. The NHTSA says that the cosmetic trim could separate from the vehicle, with Tesla saying the issue is due to an inadequate amount of primer being used.^[2]
• Tesla says that their 2020 recall did not sufficiently address the issue, with the trim on recalled vehicles being tested to see if it could withstand 60 newtons. Tesla's new filing with the NHTSA says that new studies have spurred them to test the trim with forces of up to 120 newtons.^[3]
• Tesla says they have received 170 reports of the issue but none that involve injuries or accidents, with Tesla offering a free inspection and replacement of the trim, if needed, for affected owners. Those affected will be notified by the company in October.^[4][2]
• In the first six months of 2024, Tesla recalled nearly 2.6M vehicles, second to Ford in terms of US recalls. Earlier this month, Tesla issued a recall for 1.8M vehicles over a hood issue, and recalled 2.2M in February over the instrument panel font.^[1][5]
• Most Tesla recall issues are rectified through software updates. The current Model X recall affects roughly 10% of all 2016 units, affecting those produced up until July 31, 2016, when a change in the manufacturing process was made.^[6][3]

Sources: ^[1]Reuters, ^[2]Forbes, ^[3]LiveNOW from FOX, ^[4]Zacks Investment Research, ^[5]CBS and ^[6]ITC.ua.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by TESLARATI. Investors and electric auto observers are growing increasingly restless by billionaire Elon Musk's behavior, and how this may be affecting the product Tesla is putting out. Recalls have plagued a company that was once the standard bearer for electric vehicles, but its CEO has been focused on other activities, such as venturing into social media. Perhaps a new, more focused leader is needed to get Tesla back on the right track.
• Narrative B, as provided by CleanTechnica. Tesla doomsayers are motivated more by their unease with Musk's character than the fundamentals of the company. Recalls are a fact of life in automaking, and the company's growth in new markets, even in the face of stiff competition from cheaper Chinese vehicles, is a sign to the strong value this brand still has. Given that the company is on track to make tens of millions of vehicles this year, these recalls are insignificant.