Tesla has announced a significant recall affecting nearly 239,000 vehicles due to issues with computer hardware that may disable the rearview cameras. This problem poses a potential safety risk, as the lack of rear visibility could increase the likelihood of collisions. The recall affects various models, including the 2024-2025 Model 3 and Model S, along with the 2023-2025 Model X and Model Y.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified a defect in a recent filing, stating that a reverse current might cause a shorting failure on the car’s computer board when the vehicle powers on. This malfunction could not only compromise the rearview camera’s functionality but may also impact other systems within the vehicle, heightening safety concerns.
Tesla is addressing the issue by offering to replace the affected vehicle’s computer at no charge if the defect occurs. The company began rolling out an over-the-air (OTA) software update on December 18, 2024, aimed at rectifying the defect for all affected vehicles.
All owners impacted by this recall will receive notification letters on or shortly after January 8, 2025. Tesla reported that it has recorded 887 warranty claims and 68 field reports concerning this issue; however, it has stated that it is unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities resulting from the defect.
This recall is not isolated to the current situation. Tesla previously faced a similar challenge, recalling 27,000 Cybertrucks in October 2024 due to rearview camera issues. Earlier in January 2024, nearly 200,000 vehicles from the 2023 Model S, X, and Y lines were recalled for a software issue that inhibited rearview camera functionality.
The NHTSA filing also referenced concerns related to Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature, which it suggested may have contributed to four crashes involving Tesla vehicles. These incidents occurred when vehicles failed to detect posts or parked cars, leaving operators without sufficient time to react due to proximity or line of sight.
“may affect the driver’s rear visibility and increase the risk of a collision.”
— NHTSA filing
Despite these recurring issues, Tesla continues to assure customers that they will be kept informed about recalls and related software updates. For those who have already experienced a shorting failure in their Tesla’s computer board, the company confirms that a replacement computer will be provided.
What The Author Thinks
The recent recall by Tesla underscores a recurring challenge within the company’s innovative yet often problematic technology integration. While Tesla’s proactive approach in addressing these hardware malfunctions through recalls and OTA updates demonstrates a commitment to customer safety and regulatory compliance, the frequency and nature of these issues raise concerns about the long-term reliability of Tesla’s vehicle technologies. Such repeated incidents not only affect consumer confidence but also invite scrutiny from safety regulators, potentially impacting the company’s reputation and market position. Moving forward, Tesla may need to reassess its design and testing processes to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety and satisfaction of its customers.
Featured image credit: FMT
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