#Tesla recalling more than 9,000 Model X cars

Tesla is recalling more than 9,000 Model X vehicles over concerns that parts of their roofs could fly off while the car is in motion.

The electric SUVs have pieces of cosmetic trim on their roofs that are attached with urethane. The appliques were applied to some 2016 Model X’s without using primer, which can cause them to come unstuck over time and potentially detach from the car, according to a recall notice.

“While we are not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from this condition, if the applique separates from the vehicle while in drive, it could create a road hazard for following motorists and increase their risk of injury or a crash,” Tesla said in the recall notice filed last week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers 9,136 Model X cars made between Sept. 17, 2015, and July 31, 2016, though Tesla estimates only 10 percent of them have trim that was incorrectly applied, recall records show.

Tesla says it discovered the problem in September when it learned of a “field event” involving a 2016 Model X with missing trim. The Silicon Valley automaker didn’t provide any more details about that event, but it said it will inspect affected vehicles and apply primer to those that need it free of charge.

Tesla notified its stores and service centers about the problem last week and will send letters to owners of the affected cars, according to the recall notice.

The number of cars in the recall is equivalent to roughly 11 percent of the 83,922 vehicles that Tesla produced in 2016. The Elon Musk-led company has significantly ramped up production since then and expects to deliver 500,000 vehicles in 2020.

The notice came about a month after Tesla recalled about 30,000 vehicles in China over potential suspension problems, which the company reportedly claimed were caused by “driver abuse” rather than any defect.

Tesla shares were trading up about 0.8 percent at $559.92 in premarket trading as of 7:05 a.m. Wednesday.