Tesla issued a recall on just over 9,100 Model X SUVs on Wednesday over an issue that involves the trim separating from the vehicle, according to a notice published online by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The issue impacts the 2016 model and an estimated 10% of those vehicles, according to the electric car company.
“The Model X is equipped with a cosmetic applique at the front of the roof just behind the windshield, known as the front applique, as well as an applique at the center of the roof in between the upper falcon door roof glass, known as the spine applique,” the safety recall report explains.
“Both appliques are adhered to the vehicle using urethane,” the report continues. “If the applique-to-urethane interface lacks primer, then, over time, the adhesion may weaken, causing the applique to separate from the vehicle.”
What should owners look out for? Apparently you can hear it when something is going bad.
“Prior to separating, an applique without primer may create a detectable noise inside the cabin for either a short or prolonged period of time. Separately, the customer may observe the applique coming loose,” Tesla explained in the recall notice.
The notice published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that Tesla first initiated a voluntary recall on November 17, 2020, for the exact same issue. But the carmaker now believes it didn’t identify all of the cars with this problem at the time.
From the notice:
The inspection method was to pull the applique with a maximum force of 60N. Appliques that were retained after the pull inspection were determined to meet specification and were not replaced. Appliques that showed any indication of displacement or separation from the urethane bond after the pull inspection were deemed to not meet specification and were replaced.
Subsequent to the initial recall, Tesla determined that either the inspection pull force or the location and number of locations where pull force was applied were not sufficient to accurately identify all instances in which the part may be at risk of separation.
Reuters points out many of Tesla’s recalls typically involve a fix that can be delivered over-the-air with a software update. But this new recall is one of the rare instances where a physical inspection and an in-person remedy will need to take place.
“While we are not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from this condition, if the applique separates from the vehicle while in drive, it could create a road hazard for following motorists and increase their risk of injury or a crash,” Tesla said in its notice.
Tesla didn’t respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Gizmodo will update this post in the highly unlikely event we hear back. After all, Tesla got rid of its media relations department, a fact that CEO Elon Musk is very proud of.
The Cybertruck also had an issue with stuff not sticking. Back in April, the company issued a recall for all Cybertrucks sold due to the pads on the accelerator pedals sliding off and getting wedged.
