Thousands of Tesla cars recalled for loose brake bolt

Nearly 6,000 cars could have the defect.
 By 
Sasha Lekach
 on 
Thousands of Tesla cars recalled for loose brake bolt
A recall notice went out for some Tesla Model Y cars, along with the Model 3. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

Nearly 6,000 Tesla cars are being recalled due to loose brake bolts that could lower tire pressure and lead to a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall last week for certain Model 3 (2019-2021) and Model Y (2020-2021) cars. The safety agency estimates only 1 percent of the potentially affected cars actually have the defect.

In 2020, Tesla delivered 442,511 Model 3 and Y cars.


You May Also Like

The problem was discovered in December 2020 in a 2021 Model Y with a missing fastener on the driver-side rear brake. Tesla said no crashes or injuries have been reported because of the bolt issue.

In the recall notice, Tesla said drivers should be able to hear an unusual noise if the bolt unfastens completely and starts hitting the wheel rim.

For affected cars, Tesla will inspect and tighten — or, if necessary, replace — the bolts for free. Notices haven't gone out yet to drivers. Model Y and 3 owners can call Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. The recall number is SB-21-33-002.

Topics Tesla

Mashable Image
Sasha Lekach

Sasha is a news writer at Mashable's San Francisco office. She's an SF native who went to UC Davis and later received her master's from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She's been reporting out of her hometown over the years at Bay City News (news wire), SFGate (the San Francisco Chronicle website), and even made it out of California to write for the Chicago Tribune. She's been described as a bookworm and a gym rat.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
End of an era: Tesla discontinues Model S and Model X
Tesla Model X and S

Volkswagen recalls 40,000 ID.4 electric cars over fire risk
Volkswagen ID.4

Tesla cars in the U.S. no longer come with Autopilot
Tesla FSD

Tesla sues Calif. DMV after agency called its 'autopilot' deceptive marketing
A row of Tesla EVs and a cybertruck in a sunny parking lot.

Elon Musk: Tesla FSD will soon become subscription-only
Inside a Tesla, a driver uses Full Self Driving.

More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!