Tesla Recalls Model S Sedans Made Recently Due To Potential For Rear Passenger Seat Malfunction In Accidents

Tesla Motors Inc (Nasdaq:TSLA) said Wednesday it is recalling Model S sedans manufactured between May 10 and June 8 to check for a problem with the rear-left passenger seat.

“Specifically, the attachment strength of the mounting bracket for the left-hand latch of the second-row seat could be weaker than intended,” the Palo Alto-based electric carmaker said in a statement announcing the partial recall. “This reduces our confidence that the left-hand seat-back will be properly retained in the event of a crash.”

Tesla said in its filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 13 that 1,228 vehicles potentially have the problem, and that about 20 percent of them are likely in need to repair.

“In the event of a crash, the left-hand seat-back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers,” said the NHTSA’s recall-acknowledgement memo.

Tesla says there have been no incidents of the seat-back detaching or customer complaints and that the problem came to light when one of its own factory workers discovered the problem.

Owners may contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000 to arrange for pick-up and drop-off. Tesla says it will make necessary arrangements and that owners need not take their cars to service centers.