Tesla recalls certain Model S and Model X vehicles over rear-brake issue

Tesla has recently issued a voluntary recall for certain units of its Model S and Model X electric vehicles (EVs) built between 2013 and 2018. The recall pertains to a potential issue with the vehicles' rear brakes, specifically the booster pump that supplies pressure to the rear brake calipers.

According to the recall statement submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some vehicles may experience a gap between the brake pedal and the rear brakes due to a corrosion of the aluminum alloy brake pistons. This condition can lead to increased pedal travel and reduced braking force, which could extend the distance required to stop the vehicles and potentially result in increased stopping distances.

The affected vehicles are equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) as standard, which can help mitigate the risk of loss of control and crashes in situations where the rear brakes are ineffective. However, Tesla acknowledges that under certain conditions, such as increased brake usage, the corrosion process can progress faster, potentially resulting in increased braking distance at lower speeds and a potential increase in the risk of accidents.

The potential issue only affects the rear brakes as the front brakes on the recalled vehicles are equipped with a different design and are not affected.

The recall impacts 129,934 Model S and Model X vehicles in the US, which is the largest market for Tesla. The company will inspect the brake systems on all affected vehicles and if corrosion is detected, the rear brake calipers and brake pistons will be replaced.

Tesla has emphasized that the issue does not pose a safety risk to occupants while driving, as the car's regenerative braking system and front brakes will continue to function normally. However, the company recommends that affected owners opt for the repair as soon as possible to ensure optimal brake performance and to avoid potential increases in stopping distance.

This recall is not the first for Tesla, and acts as a reminder that even technologically advanced, cutting-edge vehicles like Tesla can still face conventional maintenance issues.

Recalls like these are often issued proactively by manufacturers to ensure that vehicle safety and performance meet their standards. By addressing this issue now, Tesla is taking steps to ensure that its customers remain confident in the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

It's worth noting that this recall primarily affects older models of the Model S and X. As of January 2023, Tesla has not issued any comments regarding whether this recall will impact customer deliveries, orders, or speeds of delivery of the new Plaid and Long Range variants of the Model S and X.