The updated Tesla Model Y just entered production and while it’s just now going on sale, the EV is already facing its first recall with the company forced to recall 172 vehicles due to a production defect caused by a small plastic component that could fall off the Y in daily use.
Recall shines a spotlight on Model Y’s international supply web
This virgin recall on the Model Y (aka the Juniper) is shining a spotlight on the international supply chain Tesla uses for many of its parts and components. In this case, the part is not a big piece like a bumper or a tire, but rather, a small plastic elbow that routes the windshield washer fluid to the windshield. This part is made in Malaysia and unlike other company recalls where software updates fixed the issue, this analog problem will require hands-on attention and tools to fix.
Tesla says the issue affects 172 Model Ys with the faulty elbow preventing owners from cleaning the windshield. The ensuing dirty windshield is a safety hazard that can obscure vision and potentially cause an accident. The company says it validated the issue during a test drive of a newly produced Model Y back in April with the company inspecting other Model Ys shortly afterward. While it was doing that, Tesla also reached out to the Malaysian supplier who admitted they “failed to revalidate their tooling after performing a repair, causing the defect in the suspect components.” It’s not known how the defective elbow blocks the fluid but the company did attempt to see if only one nozzle was needed to clean the windshield but issued the recall after the homegrown fix failed to meet federal standards.
No accidents due to the issue
Tesla revealed that the problem has not caused any incidents so far but the swift recall suggests the company is not taking any chances especially as it prepares to navigate choppy waters now that Elon Musk has left his government post. In addition to this recall, the company is also dealing with a growing sales crisis surrounding its controversial Cybertuck. Demand for the wedge-shaped pickup has fallen off a proverbial cliff and inventory is rapidly piling up.
The buildup has been so much that the company has been forced to store unsold inventory in parking lots all over the United States. Sometimes, this tactic has landed the company in legal hot water with Tesla facing trouble in Farmington Hills for improper storage of Cybertrucks. The strip mall where these trucks are at once housed Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum but city officials there don’t see anything marvelous about them at all and has ordered the landlord of the property to remove them.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.