Tesla has announced the recall of nearly 120,000 vehicles due to potentially faulty doors that could open in the event of a crash. The recall affects Tesla Model X vehicles that were manufactured before March 2018.
The decision to recall the vehicles was the result of a NHTSA investigation that looked into several reports of doors opening unexpectedly while the car was in motion. Though the investigation clarified that the doors had not opened in the event of a crash, the NHTSA determined that these types of issues could lead to doors opening during a crash, which could lead to a more serious injury or death.
As part of the recall, Tesla will be reprogramming the power lift gate software, which controls the doors, to make it easier for them to stay closed in a crash. The company has also been providing enhanced door jam padding that helps to reduce the force of the door if it should open during a collision.
Tesla’s decision to voluntarily recall the vehicles has been welcomed by some as evidence of the company taking a proactive approach to safety. As noted by the NHTSA, the recall affects a small number of vehicles—less than 10 percent of Tesla vehicles sold.
This incident is just the latest in a longer string of recent recalls for Tesla. Earlier this year, the company recalled over 150,000 Model S’s over an issue involving a potential fire risk. While none of the reported incidents resulted in fires, Tesla took a pro-active stance to ensure the safety of its owners.
The Tesla Model X recall shows that the company is taking its commitment to safety seriously. It is also likely to lead to a renewed sense of confidence in the safety of their vehicles for current and future Tesla owners.