US government investigates Tesla over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars

Washington, D.C. January 23, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations of vehicles colliding with various objects while in the self-driving mode.

The investigation could lead to a recall of roughly 2.6 million electric vehicles. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2017 – 2025 Model 3 
  • 2016 – 2025 Model S 
  • 2016 – 2025 Model X 
  • 2020 – 2025 Model Y 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on January 6, 2025. The investigation came on the heels of 16 complaints of Teslas crashing into surrounding cars and property while maneuvering out of parking lots on their own thanks to the so-called smart summon feature.

The smart summon feature

Smart summon allow drivers to summon the car to their desired location. It is not designed for use on public roads.

Investigation purpose

The investigation aims to gauge whether Tesla’s self-maneuvering mechanism can reliably detect obstacles it may encounter and if there are any “app connectivity delays” that may be causing “increased stopping distances.”

‘’It was a big pole’’

Drivers reported that their vehicles have crashed into walls as well as other cars, including at least one with a “passenger inside.” In one accident, the vehicle failed to avoid a “big pole,” leaving the driver convinced that there was something wrong with the “camera system, sensor or… the hardware.”

Dealers in some cases blamed the defect on the smart summon still being in beta, despite it being around since 2016. The costs of the repair were thus not covered by the warranty, causing a “perplexing and disheartening” situation for the driver who had to pay $8,000 out of pocket.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, at least in one case, the Tesla and the vehicle it hit both sustained “significant damage.” 

Other Tesla recalls

Close to 2 million Tesla EVs were affected by a recall from August 2024 caused by fly-away hoods, as reported.   

Tesla is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over a suspected fault with another self-driving feature, which led to a fatal crash. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Tesla smart summon recall, potentially affecting nearly 2.6 million electric vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars

Tesla recalls EVs over reduced rearview visibility 

Austin, TX – January 21, 2025 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 239,382 electric vehicles (EVs) whose rearview camera may not show an image. This defect augments the chances of a crash while reversing.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 – 2025 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2024 – 2025 Tesla Model S
  • 2023 – 2025 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 – 2025 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The rearview camera in the listed vehicles may fail because of an electrical short. As a result, the image may not be shown while backing up.  

Background of the recall

The manufacturer decided to recall the listed vehicles following over 900 warranty claims and field reports. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Recall risks

The absence of a rearview camera image limits the driver’s field of view when going backward, increasing the chances of crashing into nearby objects or pedestrians. 

Other Tesla recalls

The U.S. government is currently investigating Tesla after one of its self-driving vehicles killed a pedestrian, as reported.

Last year, Tesla recalled 200,000 cars over an identical issue with their rearview cameras

The repair

The affected vehicles will receive a free over-the-air (OTA) software update or a new car computer. The update was deployed on the corresponding vehicles last month.

The owners should receive letters with more information on March 7, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla rearview camera recall affects almost 240,000 electric cars and SUVs. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls EVs over reduced rearview visibility 

US government investigates Tesla after self-driving car kills pedestrian

Washington, D.C. November 1, 2024 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over crashes that have occurred in the so-called full self-driving mode (FSD).

The investigation could lead to a recall of roughly 2.4 million electric vehicles and comes on the back of four accidents, including one that resulted in a fatality.

The following models would be affected:

  • 2016 – 2024 Model S 
  • 2016 – 2024 Model X 
  • 2017 – 2024 Model 3 
  • 2020 – 2024 Model Y 
  • 2023 – 2024 Cybertruck

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on October 17, 2024, following a fatal accident in which Tesla struck a pedestrian.

Apart from this incident, three more crashes – with one resulting in an injury – were reported. All happened while the car was operating in the full self-driving mode in conditions with reduced visibility, such as “sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.”

The investigation aims to assess how well Tesla’s self-driving mechanism can spot obstacles and prevent accidents in such circumstances. 

Full-self driving feature

FSD allows Tesla vehicles to steer, accelerate and brake on their own, while the driver supervises the process

Other Tesla recalls

In January 2024, Tesla recalled 2 million EVs with faulty autopilot following a U.S. government investigation.

In September 2024, certain Tesla Model X SUVs were recalled because their roof trims could detach and create road debris.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Tesla FSD recall, potentially affecting approximately 2.4 million electric vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla after self-driving car kills pedestrian

Tesla issues second Model X recall over fly-away trim 

Austin, TX – September 7, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 9,136 2016 Tesla Model X SUVs whose roof trims may detach and fall onto the road, endangering other motorists and upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

Tesla already attempted to address the issue back in 2020 but was unsuccessful.

Recall summary

These electric SUVs have two pieces of trim on their roofs, one above the windshield and the other between the front and rear doors.  In the affected vehicles, the trim was not properly glued during production and could separate from the car while driving.   

Recall risks

All risks posed by fly-away trims or body panels are described in this Mercedes-Benz recall

Warning signs

Besides noticing trim separation, the driver may also hear wind noises while driving.

Background of the recall

After completing the 2020 recall, Tesla became aware of the trim detaching in a repaired vehicle. Leading up to the present recall, Tesla received “40 warranty claims, 6 field reports, and 125 service reports” about the separation.

No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Tesla recalls

Last month, Tesla recalled almost 2 million vehicles, including Model Xs, whose hoods would open while driving.

Separately, the manufacturer is being investigated by the U.S. government over alleged steering loss.    

The repair

Dealers will put trim adhesion to the test and glue the pieces back on free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on October 14, 2024.    

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 Model X SUVs are affected by this Tesla fly-away trim recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla issues second Model X recall over fly-away trim 

Tesla recalls nearly 2 million vehicles whose hoods may open while driving  

Austin, TX – August 20, 2024 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 1.85 million electric cars whose hoods may open while driving. This would reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

The company has already released an over-the-air (OTA) update to address the issue.

The list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2021 2024 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2021 2024 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 2024 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 2024 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

Once shut, a vehicle’s hood is held securely with a latch, which also has a sensor to detect if the hood is left open. Due to a software error, the sensor may fail to warn the driver that the hood is not closed properly. 

Recall risks

The hood may open while driving and obstruct the driver’s view, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Tesla recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by recall over insufficiently visible warning messages in February 2024.

Tesla is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over alleged steering loss

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air (OTA) software updates to resolve the issue. 

The owners should receive letters with more information on September 22, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 2 million Tesla electric vehicles are affected by this fly-open hood recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls nearly 2 million vehicles whose hoods may open while driving  

Tesla recalls Cybertruck over unintended acceleration

Austin, TX – May 2, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 3,878 2024 Tesla Cybertrucks that may unexpectedly accelerate, upping the risk of crash and injury.

Recall summary

The accelerator pedal in the affected trucks has a rubber pad on its end, whose job is to provide sufficient grip for the driver’s foot. Due to a supplier error, the pad may slip and get stuck in the interior trim, pinning the accelerator pedal to the floor.    

Recall risks

All risks posed by unintended acceleration are described in this recent Hyundai recall

Warning signs

The driver may notice the accelerator is less responsive.

Separately, if the brake is pressed while the accelerator is jammed, there will be a warning message on the display accompanied by an audible alert. 

Safety tips

If the accelerator jams, press the brake as you normally would. This will cut the power to the wheels and stop the vehicle. 

Other Tesla recalls

Some of these Tesla Cybertrucks may have been affected by a recall from February of this year, which was caused by insufficiently visible warning messages on their display.  

On a separate note, the U.S. government is currently investigating alleged steering loss in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cars, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal and repair or replace it with an updated version. The repair will be free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on June 18, 2024.    

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 4,000 Cybertruck electric pickups are affected by this Tesla jammed accelerator pedal recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Cybertruck over unintended acceleration

US government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  

Washington, D.C.  – February 27, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations about their electric cars may lose power steering. The alleged defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.  

If the investigation leads to a Tesla recall, it could affect an estimated 334,569 vehicles, including:   

  • 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y   

Investigation summary   

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on July 28, 2023, following 12 complaints about cars losing power steering.

While investigating, the agency uncovered over 2,300 complaints alleging the same thing and received information about a crash associated with the defect.

Steering racks provided by Tesla were identified as the culprit.

The regulator is now taking the investigation to the next level, where it aims to discover what causes the racks to fail.

Risks

Jammed or otherwise inoperable steering makes the vehicle difficult to control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

‘Significant problems with the steering wheel’

Complaints submitted to NHTSA talk about the steering wheel locking up or becoming “exceedingly stiff” in brand new cars. Drivers had to use “immense manual power” to move the vehicle and reported being “lucky” that these incidents did not occur on major highways.

Safety tips

“Multiple complaints” mentioned that the driver could “temporarily” remedy the problem by turning the car on and off. 

Warning signs 

The loss-of-steering incidents were sometimes accompanied by a “Steering Assist Reduced” warning message and clicking sounds while turning. 

Other Tesla recalls

In January, Tesla recalled more than 2 million of their electric cars because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while cruising on autopilot.  

This month, the manufacturer recalled some of the same cars due to “insufficiently visible display messages,” as reported.

Is your vehicle a part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla steering loss recall, potentially affecting more than 330,000 electric cars. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  

Tesla recalls 2 million cars over insufficiently visible display messages   

Austin, TX – February 18, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling close to 2.2 million electric cars because the warning messages on their displays may be too small. As a result, the driver may not be aware of safety issues, which ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
  • 2017 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2012 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 2024 Tesla Model X
  • 2019 2024 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

In the affected Tesla electric cars, the warning messages regarding parking and brakes are displayed in a font that is too small, making it difficult for the driver to read them.

Recall risks

Ignoring warning messages increases the risk of collisions.

Other Tesla recalls

In January 2024, Tesla recalled cars whose doors may open during a crash

In the same month, Tesla also recalled more than 2 million vehicles because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while on autopilot

The repair

Tesla already began releasing over-the-air (OTA) software updates to resolve the issue.  It is not clear if the process has been completed.

The owners should receive letters with more information on March 30, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 2 million Tesla electric vehicles are affected by this small-font recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 2 million cars over insufficiently visible display messages   

Tesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Austin, TX  – February 12, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 199,575 electric vehicles whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2023 Tesla Model S  
  • 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

Due to a software error, the rearview camera image in the affected vehicles may fail to display.

Recall risks

The risks of the defect are outlined in this article about a similar Honda recall.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 81 warranty claims. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Tesla recalls

Last month, Tesla recalled over 120,000 of Model S and Model X cars because their doors may open in a crash

Also in January, more than 2 million Teslas were recalled over an issue with their autopilot that may cause them to crash into emergency vehicles

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air update (OTA) to take care of the issue.

Owners should receive letters with more information on March 22, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 200,000 electric cars are affected by this Tesla rearview camera recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Tesla recalls Model S, X cars whose doors may open in crash

Austin, TX – January 17, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 120,423 electric vehicles because their doors may inadvertently open if there is an accident. This augments the risk of injury for the occupants.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall:  

  • 2021 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 – 2023 Tesla Model X   

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have an electronically controlled latching mechanism that keeps the door in a closed position. Due to a software error, the latch may release and open the doors during a crash.

Recall risks

The doors that open on their own in a crash reduce the level of protection for the occupants, upping the risk of an injury.   

Other Tesla recalls

In December, Tesla recalled around 40% of cars it had ever sold due to autopilot issues.

The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is also evaluating whether the manufacturer needs to add an allegedly missing safety feature to prevent unintended acceleration while parking.

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to address the issue.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 17, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla open door recall affects more than 100,000 electric vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S, X cars whose doors may open in crash