Tesla Photo:Xinhua

Tesla Shanghai has begun to recall 21,599 domestically made Model Y electric cars with production dates between February 4, 2021 and October 30, 2021, due to unqualified steering knuckles, according to a statement released by China's top market regulator on Friday. 

Since the recalled vehicles may not meet the design requirements for the strength of the front and rear steering knuckles due to supplier manufacturing reasons, the steering knuckles may warp or fracture while driving, with the possibility of the suspension arm coming out of the steering knuckles, which will affect vehicle driving control and increase the risk of collision, the State Administration for Market Regulation said.

Users are advised to drive their vehicles with caution and contact a Tesla service center for overhaul as soon as possible. The company will inspect and replace the unqualified knuckles in order to eliminate safety hazards.

According to data from the China Passenger Car Association, from January to October 2021, Tesla Model Y sales in the country reached 106,236 units. The recall already accounts for one-fifth of Tesla sales in 2021.

Tesla has announced several recalls of its vehicles this year.

On November 5, Tesla Beijing recalled 91 imported Model 3 cars between February 2 and October 20, 2019, due to the possibility that the front suspension transverse arm might come out of the subframe.

On November 30, due to a fracture hazard in the steering knuckle arm, Tesla filed a recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 826 Model Y units.

Global Times