Tesla Issues Rare Physical Recall On Model X Roof

Tesla is recalling 9,136 Model X SUVs made in 2016 due to a potential issue with the roof that could increase the risk of a crash.

Two pieces on the roof, or “cosmetic appliques,” are at risk of falling off and interfering with the driver’s field of vision.

“Both appliques are adhered to the vehicle using urethane,” according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “If the applique-to-urethane interface lacks primer, then, over time, the adhesion may weaken, causing the applique to separate from the vehicle.”

If the appliques start to come off, they may create a distracting noise in the cabin before fully separating.

Tesla first identified the issue in 2020, and initiated a voluntary recall at that time. The company inspected the issue by pulling on the appliques with “maximum force of 60N” and seeing if they stuck. But now, Tesla says that inspection method was “not sufficient” to identify the full risk, and it needs to pull on them even harder, applying 120N of force.

Customer notification letters will go out on October 14, 2024. Tesla is offering to inspect the roof adhesion and reattach any necessary pieces at no cost to owners.