Tesla recalls small batch of Model 3s for suspension separation

Tesla is recalling 422 Model 3 sedans built for the 2018 and 2019 model years to address a potential suspension issue. Some vehicles may exhibit loosening of the fasteners that hold the front suspension lateral links to the subframe. If these work themselves loose to the point where the lateral link can separate from the subframe, it can result in a sudden loss of control of the car.

"If a fastener becomes loose enough or separates from the sub-frame such that the lateral link separates from the sub-frame, the wheel alignment could shift and cause instability, which may adversely impact vehicle controllability and increase the risk of a collision," Tesla's defect report said.

Tesla's report indicates that the fasteners are loosening on their own over time, and while the company did not disclose exactly why only certain fasteners exhibit the problem, its report said that it narrowed the recall population to only those vehicles whose build records indicate "certain torque and angle record characteristics" that correlate to customer reports of loosening hardware. The earliest customer complaints date back to 2019, the report said.