Tesla Recall: Model S Cars Made in May, June Have Defect in Rear Seat

Electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc. has announced a recall 1,228 of its 2013 Model S cars due to a defect in the mounting bracket of the rear seat. The recall affects Tesla cars manufactured between May 10 and June 8, according to Reuters.

The recall will cost Tesla about $150,000 during the second quarter, company spokeswoman Shanna Hendriks said. Tesla will inspect and reinforce the bracket in all the cars built during this time period.

Urgent: Should the NSA Spy on Americans? Vote Here Now.

This is the first recall for Tesla's Model S, blemishing a clean public record for the electric sedan that received a rare, near-perfect score from influential Consumer Reports magazine. The U.S. automaker twice recalled its first model, the two-door Tesla Roadster sports car.

In a statement posted on Tesla's website, Chief Executive Elon Musk said the Model S defect emerged after the Tesla factory made body side alignment changes that weakened the bracket.

A worker at the plant's assembly line in California noticed the defect and reported it to managers, Tesla told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tesla said in its filing with the NHTSA that it suspected that 20 percent of the 1,228 cars have welds that may not hold in the event of a crash. If the seat becomes unmoored during a crash, there is an increased chance of injury to a passenger.

Musk said there have been no customer complaints and Tesla was not aware of any injuries because of the defect. The recall was not in response to any regulatory warning, he said.

Tesla shares were up 2 percent to $105.88 in late morning trading. Tesla shares have more than tripled in the past six months.

Editor's Note: Get the Navy SEALs Cap – Celebrate Our Heroes

Related stories:

Chrysler Recall: In Reversal, 630,000 SUVs Now Will Be Fixed

Ford Recall: Thousands of Vehicles Have Possible Fuel Tank Leaks