Rusty steering bolts trigger massive Tesla recall
American consumers should never assume that the products they purchase are fully safe. Although product safety laws exist to protect consumers – and give them legal recourse in the event they are harmed by defective goods – there are numerous yet-to-be-discovered dangerous products available for purchase right now. Unfortunately, people usually have to get hurt before such products are identified and taken off the market, but that’s not what happened in a recent Tesla recall.
In late March, the automaker chose to voluntarily recall 123,000 of it automobiles due to rusty bolts that could pose a threat to the safety of drivers and passengers. Automotive experts have stated that this latest recall – among other recalls issued by Tesla – is not particularly dangerous. Nevertheless, Tesla admits that in cases where affected bolts become too rusty and corroded, a power steering failure could occur.
In the event of a power steering failure, Tesla Model S drivers will still be able to retain control of their vehicles but steering could be strained and difficult, especially while traveling at slower speeds. Fortunately, Tesla has instituted this recall – and a free repair – in advance of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect.
If you or a family member suffered serious injuries in an auto collision, don’t automatically assume that the crash and injuries were only caused by a negligent or reckless motorist. In some situations, unknown motor vehicle defects could also be to blame. In such cases, the automaker as well as the negligent motorist could both be financially liable to pay for the damages resulting from the crash.
Source: CNBC, “Tesla voluntarily recalls 123,000 Model S cars over faulty steering component,” Christine Wang, March 29, 2018