Tesla has recalled a number of Model 3 electric sedans in Australia over a suspension defect, and is calling upon owners to bring their vehicles in for a check.
Details published by the government vehicle recalls department on Thursday, show that 106 Model 3s built between 2019 and 2021 have been recalled, due to a suspension fastener that may not have been secured according to factory specifications.
A VIN list accompanying the filing confirms that only Fremont-made Model 3s are affected by the recall, and that the recall is not limited to any particular variant.
According to the filing, the defect involves the “front suspension lateral link on Model 3 vehicles is attached to the sub-frame using two fasteners.”
It adds, “If a fastener is not secured to the correct specification, the fastener may loosen over time or separate from the sub-frame, which could cause the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.”
It states that the risk of not getting the issue checked and fixed could be that the “wheel alignment could shift and cause instability, which may adversely impact vehicle controllability and increase the risk of a collision.”
Customers are asked to contact Tesla to arrange an inspection, and if the defect is found Tesla will replace the component.
The recall follows an August recall which involved 113 Model 3 vehicles involving caliper bolts, which may not have been tightened sufficiently resulting in a reduction in braking performance, increasing risk of road accidents.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.