Tesla Motors (Beijing) Co., Ltd. will recall some Model X vehicles in China, because of a potential issue that could make steering harder and increase the risk of a crash, according to the country’s market regulator.

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the China's governmental authority for regulating areas such as market competition, monopolies, intellectual property, and drug safety, said that Tesla filed a recall plan that will recall 3,183 imported Model X vehicles that were produced from April 15, 2016 to October 16, 2016. The recall will start
in June 7, 2020, SAMR said.

Tesla says that it is not aware of any injuries or collisions relating to the power steering component. However, the company has observed excessive corrosion on the bolts that attach this component to the steering gear in affected Model X vehicles. This corrosion has been observed primarily in very cold climates that use calcium or magnesium road salts rather than sodium chloride (table salt). If the bolts fracture from corrosion, the driver may lose power steering assist. This would not prevent the driver from steering the vehicle, but it would require more force to turn the steering wheel, especially during low speed parking maneuvers when power steering assist is at its highest use. Power steering assist decreases with increasing speed, so the driver may not notice a need for more steering force at highway speeds.

As part of the recall, Tesla Motors will replace the steering steel bolts for vehicles within the recall range and will also add anti-corrosion coatings to the steering motor housing and motor fixing bolts.

The recall covers not only cars sold in China, but also in the US and Canada. In total, Tesla Inc is recalling 15,000 Model X SUVs, as it was previously reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada. The recall covers 14,193 U.S. vehicles and 843 in Canada.

Tesla said drivers can continue to operate their Model X SUVs before the issue is addressed. Tesla said it will contact owners to schedule appointments when parts are available.