Skip advert
Advertisement

UK Tesla Model S recalled over bonnet latch safety

Faulty bonnet latch could cause Tesla Model S ‘frunk’ to fly open, and at least one UK customer has had a close call

UK Tesla Model S

A Tesla safety recall announced in the US in December has now been extended to Model S cars registered between 2014 and 2021 here in the UK.

The recall addresses a fault in the location of the bonnet latch assembly, which Tesla says prevents the secondary latch from properly engaging the striker. The secondary latch should prevent the bonnet from flying open if the release is accidentally operated while driving, or if the bonnet is not fully secured after being opened and closed. 

The manufacturer says it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, Tesla Model S owner David Gifford contacted Auto Express having received the recall notification on 25 January. He told us the bonnet of his Model S flew open without warning last October, obscuring all vision through the windscreen while his wife was driving with their children, and shortly before the car was to join a dual carriageway.

“A front and rear collision was narrowly avoided because my wife was driving at only 26mph. If the bonnet had become unlatched after accelerating onto the dual carriageway there could have been a terrible accident,” David told Auto Express.

Tesla Model S

Repairing the damage to the bonnet and struts cost David almost £3,000, but Tesla has so far refused to acknowledge responsibility for the incident. David is also angered by the delayed notification to UK owners about the recall. He received his recall notification a month after Model S owners were notified in the US, and says he’s in touch with another UK owner who received their notice at the same time.

After receiving the recall notice, David immediately contacted Tesla Customer Services again, and is asking them to reconsider paying his near-£3,000 repair bill.

We asked the electric car manufacturer why it appears to have delayed notifications to UK drivers about a safety critical recall by a month, after the issue had been identified in the US. The company has yet to comment.

Find out what happened when we pitched the Tesla Model 3 against the Ford Mustang Mach-E here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best used electric cars 2024
Best used electric cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best used electric cars 2024

Looking to join the electric car revolution but have a smaller budget? Here are our best used electric cars to buy
24 Jan 2024
Top 10 longest range electric cars on sale 2024
Longest electric car ranges header
Best cars & vans

Top 10 longest range electric cars on sale 2024

Racking up the miles? These are the electric cars with the longest battery ranges that you can buy in the UK
24 Jan 2024
Future classics 2024: car investments that could make you money
Best future classics - header image
Best cars & vans

Future classics 2024: car investments that could make you money

Identifying future classic cars is a tricky but potentially lucrative business, here are our future classic recommendations
3 Jan 2024
Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2024
Fastest accelerating cars – header image
Best cars & vans

Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2024

Combustion-engined supercars are making a last stand against electrified machines
2 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024