Tesla recalls 2600 Model X vehicles

Tesla is recalling 2600 Model X vehicles, due to a suspected fault in the third-row seats.

The recall, which is the first for the brand’s SUV model, is due to an issue which could cause the third-row seats to fold forward during a crash.

Affecting Model Xs built before 26 March this year, it is understood to apply only to vehicles in the States.

Tesla said the problem was discovered during a recent internal seat strength test undertaken ahead of Model X deliveries in Europe. With a UK delivery date for Model X orders still unconfirmed, a spokesperson could not comment on whether there would be any delays due to the issue.

The company wrote that, during the test, "the recliner in a third row Model X seat unexpectedly slipped".

"The recliner, which is provided to us by an outside supplier, is the locking hinge that allows the third row seat back to fold forward, and if a recliner were to slip during a crash, the seat back could move forward."

While there have not been any reports of the issue, customers received an email asking them to bring their vehicle to a dealership to have it checked.

Tesla told us it has worked with its supplier to create a new recliner design which resolves the issues, with all replacements expected to be complete in the next five weeks.

Prior to the fix, Tesla has asked customers to avoid using the third row of seats.

Tesla added that it conducted 15 similar tests before starting North American deliveries with no problems arising.

The recall comes following unprecedented success of the Model 3, since its launch last month. The latest figures show that Tesla has received 325,000 reservations for the BMW 3-Series rival, amounting to about $14 billion in future sales.

In November last year, Tesla announced a recall of its Model S vehicles due to a seatbelt issue, understood to have affected 90,000 vehicles globally.