Investigation Closure and Recall
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced the closure of a lengthy investigation into the loss of rear-view camera images in nearly 160,000 Tesla Model X and Model S vehicles. This announcement comes after Tesla’s recall of almost 135,000 vehicles in 2021, which the NHTSA believes addresses the issue at hand. However, the agency will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the recall to ensure it adequately resolves the problem.
Tesla’s Compliance with the Recall
Tesla agreed to the recall after pressure from the NHTSA, who formally requested it in a letter. It is common for automakers to voluntarily address safety issues before the auto safety agency formally requests a recall. In this case, the NHTSA believes that touchscreen failures pose significant safety concerns, including the loss of rearview camera images, exterior turn-signal lighting, and windshield defogging and defrosting systems. These failures can decrease a driver’s visibility, particularly in inclement weather conditions.
Impacts on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The malfunctioning media control unit (MCU) responsible for the touchscreen failures also affects the Autopilot advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and turn signal functionality. Potential issues include the loss of audible chimes, driver sensing, and alerts. This highlights the interconnectedness of various vehicle systems and the importance of addressing any malfunctions promptly to ensure driver safety.
Broader Investigation into Autopilot Safeguards
While closing this investigation, the NHTSA has opened a separate probe into Tesla’s recall of 2 million vehicles in December to enhance Autopilot safeguards. This action demonstrates the agency’s commitment to ensuring that advanced driver assistance systems function properly and provide reliable safety features.
Initial Probe and Recall Scope
The NHTSA initially launched an investigation in June 2020 following complaints about media control unit failures and non-functioning touchscreen displays. At first, the agency sought a recall of 158,000 vehicles, but the final recall excluded some vehicles with upgraded processors built after March 2018. However, the agency emphasized the importance of addressing the issue comprehensively, as it believes a 5- or 6-year life expectancy for a component integral to driver safety is insufficient.
Tesla’s Response
Tesla acknowledges that the media control unit has a finite lifespan, and the company believes that all units will eventually fail due to the memory device’s limited storage capacity. As of February, Tesla had repaired approximately 104,000 of the 135,000 vehicles subject to the recall. This indicates the company’s commitment to rectifying the issue and ensuring customer safety.
Additional Recall for Cybertrucks
In addition to the touchscreen-related recall, Tesla recently announced a recall of 3,878 Cybertrucks. This recall aims to address an issue with the accelerator pedal pad that could come loose and become lodged in the interior trim. By promptly addressing this potential safety concern, Tesla demonstrates its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of vehicle safety.
Conclusion
The closure of the NHTSA investigation into Tesla’s Model X and Model S touchscreen failures brings important insights into the interconnectedness of various vehicle systems. By addressing issues with the media control unit and touchscreen displays, Tesla is not only ensuring driver visibility and safety but also enhancing the functionality of advanced driver assistance systems like Autopilot. Additionally, Tesla’s proactive approach to recalls, such as repairing a significant number of vehicles subject to the recall, showcases the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and safety. These developments underscore Tesla’s dedication to continuous improvement and maintaining its position as a leader in electric vehicle technology.