Tesla Recall Issued Over Electronic Parking Brake Problems

More than 30,000 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles have been recalled, following warranty claims that suggest the electronic parking brake may fail, potentially allowing the vehicle to roll away and cause an accident or injury. 

The Tesla recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 21, due to the potential for the electronic parking brake caliper gears to crack while the parking break is being applied by the vehicle. To date, no injuries or crashes have been reported in relation to the recall.

The recalled Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles pose a roll away risks, which may occur due to an improperly manufactured internal gear of the electronic parking brake. According to the recall, the internal gear transmits motion of an electronic motor into motion of the brake pads.

In the event the gear fractures, the electronic motor will be unable to move the brake pad and the affected parking brake will not be released. If this occurs, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle in place.

Tesla was first notified of the issue in July 2016, when a warranty claim was submitted indicating a broken internal gear of the electronic parking brake. Tesla opened an investigation and sent the returned brake parts to its supplier, Brembo North America, to evaluate.

After analyzing additional claims, Brembo and Tesla identified the root cause of the issue to be improperly manufactured gears that may experience early life failure. Tesla initiated a recall and quarantined the suspect calipers on October 7, 2016, and resumed production with a revised caliper from Brembo North America.

The recall includes 2016 Tesla Model S vehicles manufactured from February 23, 2016 through October 10, 2016 and Tesla Model X vehicles manufactured from February 23, 2016 through October 10, 2016.

An estimated 31,472 vehicles are included in the recall. However, Tesla indicates that they believe only 2% of vehicles remaining may be impacted by the recall due to an early change in production.

Tesla will begin notifying owners of the recall and is expected to begin repairs this month. Customers will be instructed to schedule a free inspection and repair at their local dealer where dealers will replace the electric parking brake calipers. For additional questions or concerns regarding the recall, please contact Tesla Customer Service at 1-877-798-3752 and reference the recall number SB-17-33-002.