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Tesla issues recall of 53,000 cars over parking brake issue

All Model S and Model X built between February and October last year to be recalled, but Tesla says cars are still safe to drive

Tesla Model 3 customers queue

Tesla has confirmed it is issuing a recall for all Model S and Model X vehicles built between February and October 2016, meaning some 53,000 cars globally will have to return to the manufacturer.

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According a Tesla, a potential fault with the electronic parking brake system on cars built between those months has been identified, that “could prevent the parking brake from releasing”.

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Tesla does not believe the issue could endanger its customers and has not seen a single accident or injury caused by the problematic parking brake, but in a move it says is “overly cautious”, it will issue the recall regardless. 

According to Tesla, a “small gear” component forming part of the electric parking brake setup could have been manufactured improperly by a third-party supplier. If this gear malfunctions, the parking brake remains stuck on. 

Tesla has told its customers that it is still safe to drive their cars – the fault has no impact on the car’s regular braking systems. The company also estimates that fewer than 5 per cent of cars it made over the period affected may carry the potentially faulty component.

Those who own a Tesla built between February and October 2016 will soon receive official notice of the recall in the post. The fix itself is a 45-minute refit, and Tesla estimates it could take until October to complete the recall. 

Has a recall ever affected you? Let us know in the comments.

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