PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA — Tesla Inc voluntarily issued a recall of Model S sedans built before April 2016 in order to replace power steering bolts last Thursday.
It informed customers over email it was a proactive move and that there were no accidents or injuries related to the issue, according to Reuters.
Bolts, made by German supplier Bosch, in the power steering component can start to corrode after contact with certain types of road salt in colder climates.
The carmaker said 123,000 Model S cars around the world have the bolts.
"We have observed excessive corrosion in the power steering bolts, though only in very cold climates, particularly those that frequently use calcium or magnesium road salts, rather than sodium chloride (table salt)," Tesla wrote in an email to customers.
If the bolts fail, drivers would still be able to steer the vehicle, they would just have to use more force "due to loss or reduction of power assist," Tesla wrote.
According to Tesla, the retrofit takes about an hour. The company said it would inform owners once the retrofit is available in their area.
