Tesla is facing one of its most extensive recalls to date, affecting 1.85 million cars due to a software defect that prevents the vehicles from detecting if the hood is properly latched. This recall covers all Tesla models except for the Cybertruck, and it also includes Model Y vehicles from the 2020 model year.
The issue was first brought to Tesla’s attention by its Chinese customers in March, prompting a thorough investigation. The company has since reported three instances of similar problems from owners in the U.S., although there have been no accidents or injuries as a result. However, an unlatched hood could potentially fly open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view and potentially causing damage to the windshield.
To address this issue, Tesla has been rolling out a software update since June. The updates are being delivered over-the-air, which means that owners can receive the fix without having to bring their vehicles into a service center. While this recall is significant in terms of the number of vehicles affected, it is not the first time Tesla has had to recall a large number of cars. In December, the company recalled nearly all of its 2 million vehicles in the U.S. to improve the driver monitoring software for Autopilot.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted an investigation into Tesla’s recall campaign in April after receiving reports of more than 20 crashes that may have been related to Autopilot use, despite the vehicles having the updated software installed. As a result of this investigation, the software update also disabled Autopilot entirely for some owners.
Overall, this latest recall highlights the ongoing challenges that Tesla faces as it continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. While the ability to deliver software updates over-the-air is a convenient and efficient way to address issues, it also means that the company must be vigilant in identifying and resolving any potential defects. The NHTSA’s investigation into the Autopilot software further emphasizes the importance of thorough testing and monitoring to ensure the safety of Tesla’s vehicles and their advanced features.
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