It’s been a tumultuous journey for Tesla Model X owners, but as of this week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has formally closed its investigation into the SUV’s front seat belt issues. Launched last year, the inquiry stemmed from two complaints related to seat belt failures in the Model X.
After prolonged scrutiny and a recall affecting roughly 16,000 Model S and X units, Tesla has finally been given the green light, with NHTSA confirming that the carmaker had updated its procedures to fix the issue. Tesla's new protocol, effective from June 22, 2023, mandates additional visual aids and a pull-test procedure to ensure the seat belts are reconnected to their pretensioner anchors as per specifications.
A Recall That Fired Up Concerns
Last July’s recall was a tough pill to swallow for Tesla aficionados. Some 16,000 Tesla vehicles, including both Model S and Model X, were subject to a recall stipulating that the front seat belt pretensioner anchors needed disconnection and reconnection, or worse, a complete assembly replacement. The affected units were earlier identified in NHTSA’s preliminary probe of approximately 50,000 Model X vehicles.
On Monday, NHTSA declared, “In view of the recall action and process updates taken by Tesla, ODI is closing this PE. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.” It’s a statement that brings a sigh of relief to Tesla owners while still holding the manufacturer accountable for any future lapses.
Other Probes That Wrapped Up
Interestingly, this seat belt matter isn’t the only investigation NHTSA has wrapped up regarding Tesla. In recent weeks, the regulator has also closed probes for other issues, notably one involving the rearview camera display loss in Model 3 vehicles. Another investigation concerned Tesla's Autopilot system, which required a recalibrated user interface following a recall that applied to over two million vehicles.
Tesla's response to these recalls has mostly involved quick software updates. For instance, an immediate over-the-air update fixed the Autopilot UI issue, quelling fears despite widespread media attention. Nevertheless, NHTSA continues to keep a watchful eye on Tesla's Autopilot suite. The agency has requested additional information on certain functionalities, particularly around driver attentiveness alerts, asking Tesla to respond by July 1.
Looking Ahead
Even though these investigations have been closed, Tesla’s journey through regulatory scrutiny is far from over. The company's reformulated safety measures are under continuous evaluation, and NHTSA remains ready to reopen cases if new complaints arise. Tesla's surgical precision in addressing these issues is emblematic of its rigorous quality control, but the automaker also appreciates that there's no room for complacency in the automotive industry.
The resolution of this seat belt issue is a testament to the dynamic between regulatory bodies and manufacturers — it’s a continuous, iterative process that aims to put consumer safety first. Tesla's rapid response and willingness to cooperate with safety protocols reinforce its commitment to innovation and safety, maintaining its stature in the electric vehicle landscape.
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