Tesla denying Takata airbag recall for salvage/rebuild cars
; Date: April 4, 2018
Tags: Tesla Motors
Takata airbags can decompose and once in that state, if triggered the airbag will spew shrapnel on the passenger causing physical harm and possibly death. This is a big big safety deal, so why is Tesla refusing to replace these airbags for folks who've repaired and rebuilt a Tesla car? For that matter, why is Tesla going out of its way to throw roadblocks in the way of folks who've done so? Repairing and rebuilding cars is a widespread hobby/practice, and other car manufacturers support the rebuilders with parts and diagnostics tools. Not so with Tesla.
At issue is the Right To Repair - that car owners have the right to repair their own car.
For that purpose, car makers sell spare parts and diagnostics tools and repair manuals. Lots of people take cars apart, put them back together, perform upgrades, and on and on.
Tesla - for all the positive goodwill the company is engendering, and all the postive ideas the company expresses, is veering towards evil with this one issue. Tesla is doing its best to dominate the repair of Tesla's cars. One wonders why.
Numerous stories have surfaced of someone getting a "totalled" Tesla car and rebuilding it, only to get a cease-and-desist letter from Tesla. Or, that their car is recorded as "unsupported" and therefore they cannot get Supercharger access, the autopilot might be turned off, and more.
https://longtailpipe.com/2014/10/23/tesla-motors-might-franchise-dealers/
https://longtailpipe.com/2014/03/14/tesla-motors-monopoly-over-service/
Source:
Rich Rebuilds
