Tesla Recalls 53,000 Model S Sedans, Model X Crossovers

Tesla is issuing a "voluntary recall" for 53,000 of its all-electric vehicles – including 31,000 sold here in the US – because a defective gear in the parking-brake assembly could fracture, locking the parking brake in the "on" position. The affected vehicles include Model S sedans and Model X crossovers built between February and October of 2016.

According to CNBC, which first reported the recall, Tesla believes only two to five percent of the 53,000 affected sedans and CUVs have the bad gear. But because it’s difficult to determine if the part is faulty based on a visual inspection alone, Tesla will replace the gears in all affected vehicles.

Tesla claims there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities related to the parking brake issue, to perform accordingly, and that it’s still safe to drive the affected vehicles. Owners are already being notified of the issue by mail, and are being asked to report to their local Tesla service site. According to the company, the fix takes less than an hour and should be completed across the fleet by October.