Tesla recalls 30,000 Model X cars due to faulty airbag behavior

Tesla has issued a recall for 29,348 Model X vehicles because their airbags may deploy incorrectly in certain situations. This recall affects 2021-2023 Model Xs manufactured for customers in the United States. According to the recall notice (PDF) issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), calibration of the restraint control module on these specific vehicles could cause the passenger frontal airbag to deploy "in an unintended configuration. during certain low-speed collision events."

While the notice does not illustrate the "unintended configuration" of the airbag, it does indicate that it would result in non-compliance with the law when a child approximately three to six years old is seated in the seat front passenger unbelted and out of position. Reuters notes that Tesla shares fell 3% after the recall was issued, leading to its lowest level in nearly two years, but it's worth noting that the company says no. be aware of any "warranty claims, field reports, accidents, injuries, or deaths related to this condition."

Earlier this month, Tesla also recalled 40,168 Model S and Model X vehicles due to a software defect that could reduce power steering assistance due to potholes and other bumps in the road. And in September, it issued a recall for more than a million vehicles because their automatic window reversing system could malfunction and pinch the driver or passenger.

As with these other recalls, however, owners don't have to turn in their vehicle or go anywhere for repair. The issue can be resolved with an over-the-air firmware update, which the automaker will roll out to all affected vehicles.

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