(Yicai Global) Dec. 3 -- US electric car giant Tesla is recalling 21,599 locally produced Model Y cars in China due to substandard steering knuckles, a component that connects the wheel, tie rod and suspension system and allows the wheels to turn, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.

All Model Y vehicles produced in Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory between Feb. 4 and Oct. 30 this year are to be taken back for inspection, the administration said today. Any steering parts that do not meet strength requirements will be replaced free of charge, it added.

The cars’ front and rear steering knuckles, which were sourced from an external supplier, may have quality issues. In which case they can buckle or break when driving and in extreme cases the suspension link might fall out, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and poses safety hazards.

The California-based carmaker has issued several recalls in China this year. In June 280,000 autos were called back due to abnormal acceleration problems. And during the Auto Shanghai Expo in April, Tesla drew a lot of unwanted attention when a disgruntled owner staged a protest over alleged brake failure.

Editor: Kim Taylor