Tesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

Tesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

January 9, 2022 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – January 9, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 119,009 vehicles whose hoods may open while driving. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2014 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 Tesla Model S
  • 2018 Tesla Model S
  • 2019 Tesla Model S
  • 2020 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 Tesla Model S

Recall summary  

When closed, the recalled vehicles’ hood – called “frunk,” or front trunk in Tesla speak –  is secured in place with a latch. This is a mechanism with two separate latching assemblies. – The primary latch locks the hood, while the secondary one serves as a backup. In affected sedans, the secondary latch mechanism may be “misaligned,” which prevents it from locking the hood if needed. 

The component in question is the “Hood Latch” with part number 1033011-00-A. 

Recall risks

If the driver accidentally releases the main hood latch while driving, the hood may open unexpectedly. This will obstruct the driver’s view and may result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury for the car occupants and other motorists.   

Warning signs

Releasing the primary hood latch triggers an alert on the dashboard. 

Other Tesla Model S recalls 

In addition to this Tesla Model S trunk issue, there were several other recalls concerning these vehicles recently. The latest one among them was in November and it was caused by airbags that may rupture during deployment.  

Separately, over 350,000 Model 3 sedans were recalled just last month due to malfunctioning rearview cameras which may fail to display an image when backing up, upping the risk of a backover crash.

The repair

Tesla service centers will fix the issue by inspecting the latch assembly. If needed, they will realign the latch components so it operates as designed. All repairs are free of charge and owners who paid out of pocket may be eligible for reimbursement. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Tesla trunk issues includes more than 110,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods
Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

January 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto CA – January 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 356,309 vehicles with rearview cameras that may fail to display an image. This increases the risk of a crash and injury while backing up. This recall affects the following sedans: 

  • 2017 Tesla Model 3
  • 2018 Tesla Model 3
  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3

Recall summary  

All Tesla Model 3 vehicles have a rearview camera that transmits an image, which is then shown on the infotainment display. This makes reversing the vehicle easier and safer. In affected vehicles, the wiring harness inside the trunk lid, which connects the camera to the rest of the vehicle, may experience excessive wear because of “the opening and closing of the trunk lid.” This may interrupt the feed from the camera, preventing it from showing an image. 

The recall comes on the heels of over 2,300 warranty claims and over 600 field reports. No injuries have been reported.

The component in question is the “Trunk Wiring Harness” with part number 1068789-00-G. 

Warning signs

Prior to completely losing the feed from the rearview camera, the central display may flicker or show a distorted image. 

Recall risks

Without the video feed from a rear camera, the driver will have limited visibility while backing up. This can lead to property damage or injury. The risk is even greater if the driver relies solely on the backup camera when going in reverse.

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

There was one Tesla Model 3 recall recently because of unexpected braking

Over half a million of Tesla Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Model S vehicles are subject to a U.S. government investigation over the availability of a touchscreen accessible from the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion.

The majority of Tesla models made in the U.S are also being investigated due to a string of crashes with parked emergency vehicles, as reported.

The repair

To rectify this issue, Tesla dealers will check the condition of the trunk harness. If there are no signs of damage, they will install a guide protector that will prevent any further wear. In case the harness is already damaged, the dealer will replace it and install the guide protector for future protection. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla rearview camera recall includes more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras
Tesla recalls Model X and Model S over torn airbags

Tesla recalls Model X and Model S over torn airbags

November 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – November 27, 2021 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 7,600 luxury electric cars whose driver-side airbags may tear during deployment. The issue increases the risk of driver injury in a crash.

The recall includes:

  • 2021 Tesla Model X
  • 2021 Tesla Model S

Recall summary  

Tesla’s Model X and Model S recall centers around an issue with the door that covers the driver-side airbag compartment.

Due to a supplier error, the airbag door may have a piece sticking out that catches on the airbag as it goes off, which could cause the airbag to tear.

Recall risks

Like a leaky air mattress, an airbag with a hole will not provide the same firm cushion to protect the driver during a crash. This increases the risk of injury to the driver. Read more about the importance of properly functioning airbags in this article about a recent Volvo recall.

The affected part is driver airbag assembly with part numbers 1625769-72-D and ​​1625769-71-D. 

The repair

Tesla dealers will replace the driver-side airbags in all the recalled cars for free. The new airbags will have a reinforced patch to prevent it from tearing. Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on January 7, 2022.

Recent Tesla recalls

There was a Tesla Model S recall earlier this month due to the possibility of cars braking unexpectedly on their own or activating false forward collision warning. The recall was limited to “fully self-driving cars” and also included Model 3, Model X and Model Y vehicles. Most vehicles involved in that recall have already been fixed thanks to an over-the-air (OTA) update. 

To read more about this and other recent Tesla recalls, please visit the following article.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla 2021 recall includes over 7,500 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls Model X and Model S over torn airbags

Tesla recalls cars that may brake on their own

November 6, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – November 6, 2021 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 11,704 cars that may brake unexpectedly or issue a false “collision warning.” This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall is  limited to “full-self driving” cars – that are currently in beta –and includes the following electric cars:

  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model S 
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model X 
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y 

Recall summary  

Due to a faulty over-the-air (OTA) software update issued by Tesla in October, the recalled cars may unexpectedly activate the emergency brake or falsely warn of a collision ahead. 

Background of the recall

This Tesla brakes’ failure issue was identified on the back of owners’ complaints after the update was performed. 

After Tesla began working on the issue, it remotely deactivated the entire forward collision avoidance system. The LA Times reported that owners were not informed of this deactivation, which raised safety concerns. 

Warning signs

A “warning message” is displayed in the instrument panel if the “false-positive braking” happens. The driver may also hear a “warning chime.”

Recall risks

This Tesla brakes’ issue can cause a collision if a car unexpectedly slams on the brakes ahead of faster moving traffic. The false warning messages and chimes can also distract drivers, also raising the risk of an accident.

Recent Tesla recalls

In July, the manufacturer recalled over 5,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with incorrectly fitted seat belts, which increased the risk of an injury in a crash. Earlier that month, the same vehicles were subject to a recall due to the possibility of them losing tire pressure, as reported. 

The company is also a subject to ongoing investigation for its vehicles’ failure to detect emergency vehicles in their path, as reported.

The repair

As of October 29, 99.8% of cars involved in this recall received an OTA update resolving the issue. If you are having issues, make sure your Tesla is set up for remote updates to receive this repair. Go to a dealer if you are having trouble connecting your Tesla to the internet.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,704 vehicles are included in this Tesla emergency brake recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls cars that may brake on their own
US government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes

US government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes

August 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – August 19, 2021 – A United States auto safety regulator has opened an investigation into Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) autopilot feature over concerns that it may not stop cars from crashing into parked emergency vehicles. Collisions with civilian vehicles represent one of the leading causes of death for first responders and this investigation was opened on the back of 17 injuries and one death.

The investigation could implicate 765,000 vehicles and covers the majority of Tesla models that have been made in the U.S., including:

  • 2017 – 2021 Model 3 sedans
  • 2014 – 2021 Model S sedans
  • 2015 – 2021 Model X SUVs
  • 2019 – 2021 Model Y compact SUVs

Summary  

On August 13, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation based on 11 reports of Tesla cars crashing into first responders’ vehicles parked at emergency scenes on the road.  

All the Teslas involved were using autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC) features when they crashed and most crashes occurred at night.

The Teslas, which use eight cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to monitor the road, did not stop driving, despite many visual signs of an emergency scene, including cones, flares and flashing lights on emergency vehicles. At least in one case, the car only detected the emergency vehicle just 0.49 seconds before it made impact.

Scope of the investigation

The investigation will look into Tesla autopilot’s ability to respond to these scenes on the road and will also focus on how Tesla vehicles make sure that drivers are actually paying attention when autopilot is on. 

Tesla’s autopilot is not the same as a self-driving car and drivers are still supposed to watch the road while driving. Tesla’s manual instructs owners to keep their hands on the wheel while autopilot is on. However, Tesla’s autopilot only requires drivers to occasionally tap the steering wheel to keep the autopilot running.

At the same time, some autopilot systems, such as GM’s super cruise, use infrared cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they are still watching the road.

Safety tips

If you see an emergency vehicle, please slow down and move over to the right so that the vehicle can respond to the incident as soon as possible. Do not try to beat an ambulance or a police car at a light and keep your eyes on the road while driving. Keep in mind that your car is likely soundproof and you may only have a couple seconds to react to an emergency vehicle before it is too late. Do not engage in conversations with your passengers and try to avoid eating and drinking while driving.

Investigation process

The safety agency’s investigation is currently in a preliminary stage that usually lasts under four months. If evaluators find a safety defect, the agency will escalate the investigation to decide whether to mandate a recall. This typically takes up to a year to complete.

Tesla recalls in 2021

Earlier this summer, Tesla recalled Model Y and Model 3 cars first due to potential loss of tire pressure and then because of faulty seatbelts. In February, the manufacturer issued a Tesla Model S recall over impending loss of essential safety features due to a memory issue. In addition to Model S vehicles, this recall also included Model X crossovers.

Will your vehicle be part of a recall?

Around 765,000 cars could be involved in a future Tesla recall. To see if yours is one of them, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and check back for open recalls in the future.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes
Tesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y over risk of seat belt failure

Tesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y over risk of seat belt failure

July 25, 2021 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – July 25, 2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 5,530 cars and SUVs, whose front drive and passenger seat belts could have been fitted incorrectly. During a collision, the seat belts may fail to operate as designed, increasing the risk of an injury. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2018 Tesla Model 3­­­­
  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3
  • 2019 Tesla Model Y
  • 2020 Tesla Model Y
  • 2021 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The shoulder belt portion of the seat belts is attached to the B-pillar – which is the upright frame section between front and rear doors – with several fasteners. In the recalled vehicles, one or both fasteners were “improperly attached” to the B-pillar.

Risks

The fasteners cannot provide sufficient grip, which may allow the seat belt assembly to move out of its position. If the affected vehicle is involved in a collision, seat belts may not perform as designed, which increases the risk of an injury.  For more information on how seat belts help save lives during a crash, please refer to this article about a GM recall for damaged seat belts.

Warning signs

The driver and front-seat passenger may be alerted to this condition if they are not able to adjust the upper section of the seat belt vertically.

Other Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y recalls

Earlier this month, Tesla recalled close to 6,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because their tires could lose pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. That recall included 2020-2021 Tesla Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 cars.

In June, the manufacturer recalled 285,200 Model 3s and Model Ys in China over a cruise control issue, as reported.

The repair

To fix the issue, Tesla dealers will “inspect and repair both fasteners.” The owners were notified of the recall on July 23.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla recall includes more than 5,500 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y over risk of seat belt failure
Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

July 7, 2021 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – July 7,  2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 5,974 cars that may lose tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model Y
  • 2021 Tesla Model Y

The parts in question are a brake caliper and a fastener. Tesla did not provide corresponding part numbers.

Recall summary  

The Tesla brake caliper is a part of the brake system, which helps the car slow down by clamping down on the wheels as the driver presses the brake. It is held in place by two bolts, called fasteners. 

During production, the fasteners were not tightened down and may become loose. If bolts become loose enough, the brake caliper will detach from the wheel and come in contact with the inner rim surface. 

This can lead to loss of tire pressure. The caliper may also jam the car wheel and stop it from rotating freely. 

Warning signs

Owners may notice a metal-to-metal grinding noise that changes its pitch depending on the vehicle speed, similar to one that worn brake pads generate. This happens as a result of the contact between the caliper and rim. 

Risks

Both low tire pressure and jammed wheels may make the car less stable and harder to maneuver and  increase the risk of a crash.

Other Tesla recalls

Over 280,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were recently recalled in China because of an autopilot problem that made it more likely that the car will unexpectedly change speeds.

The November 2020 Tesla Model Y recall because of a trailer brake light glitch included close to 3,000 cars. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will check the condition and tightness of brake caliper bolts on all four wheels. Bolts that are loose will be re-tightened, while those who are damaged will be replaced with new ones. The repair is free of charge. The date on which the notifications will be sent to owners is not yet released. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla Model 3 recall includes almost 6,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk
Tesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem

Tesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem

June 30, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Beijing, China – June 30, 2021 –Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) will recall 285,520 cars in China because drivers can accidentally activate cruise control, causing the car to unexpectedly change speed. The recall includes:

  • Tesla Model 3 vehicles built outside of China between January 12, 2019 and November 27, 2019
  • Tesla Model 3 vehicles built in China between December 19, 2019 and June 7, 2021
  • Tesla Model Y SUVs built in China between January 1, 2021 and June 7, 2021

Recall summary  

According to a statement by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, the recalled Tesla Model Y’s and 3’s “may cause the driver to incorrectly activate the active cruise function” while shifting out of drive or while making a sharp turn. If cruise control is inadvertently turned on, and then the driver presses the brakes, the car will suddenly accelerate back to its original speed once the brakes are released, without the driver pressing the accelerator.

The recall, a voluntary move by Tesla, follows an investigation by the Chinese government into the defect. 

Risks

This kind of unexpected acceleration could confuse or surprise drivers,  potentially causing a crash. 

The repair

Tesla will remotely stream a cruise control software update to recalled Tesla Model 3’s and Y’s. Tesla will contact owners of cars that can not be reached by the update through their dealers. All owners will be notified about the recall and coming update.

Recent Tesla recalls

In the United States, 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs have been recalled three times this year over issues with brakes and seatbelts. Two of these recalls also affected 2020 Tesla Model 3 cars.

Will your vehicle be affected by this recall?

Over 285,000 vehicles are included in China’s 2021 Tesla recall. There is no recall in the United States yet. Bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to stay on top of potential Tesla recalls affecting your car.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem
Nearly 135,000 Teslas recalled over impending loss of essential functions

Nearly 135,000 Teslas recalled over impending loss of essential functions

February 3, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – February 3, 2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 134,951 cars whose display screens – also known as media control units (MCUs) –  are expected to run out of memory and permanently go dark, depriving the driver of access to essential functions. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes:

  • 2012-2018 Tesla Model S cars
  • 2016- 2018 Tesla Model X crossovers

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the main display screens positioned front-and-center in the Tesla Model S and Model X. 

The center display was built with a flash memory device that wears out after an average of five to six years, leaving the touch screen blank and unusable. Without the display panel, drivers can no longer access vital safety features, like defrosting, defogging and the backup camera.

Tesla investigation and NHTSA letter

The recall announcement comes seven months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the failing Tesla screens.  As reported, the investigation was sparked and aided by several thousand complaints submitted to both the manufacturer and NHTSA directly, alleging issues with the MCUs. 

The culmination of the process was a letter sent by NHTSA to the manufacturer on January 13 asking it to recall the cars. On January 27, Tesla capitulated, stating that it would initiate a recall even though it has “not decided that a defect exists.”

More background

The problem originates from a mismatch between the car’s hardware and software. The display system relied on flash memory hardware, an 8GB multi-media card (eMMc), that could not endure the high-intensity demands of the Tesla car’s software and eventually ran out of memory. Without memory, the eMMc controller could not recover the system, causing the screen to go permanently blank. 

Last year, Tesla pushed software updates to extend the useful life of the devices and ensure normal functioning but that did not seem to satisfy NHTSA.

Risks

Losing access to essential safety features, such as the backup camera or ability to hear alert chimes, augments the risk of a crash that can result in injuries for the driver, passenger and bystanders; property damage or even loss of life. 

Other Tesla recalls

So far, the 2018 Model X, along with other Tesla models has been the subject of four NHTSA investigations. This is the first recall to affect this model, and the third recall to include Tesla’s 2017 Model X.

The repair

The failing flash memory devices “live” on a Visual Compute Module daughterboard, which Tesla will replace with a daughterboard equipped with a device with eight times the memory capacity. Owners who paid for replacements on their own dime are eligible for reimbursement.  Recall notifications will be sent to owners starting March 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 135,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNearly 135,000 Teslas recalled over impending loss of essential functions
Tesla asked to recall Model X and S vehicles over potential loss of essential functions

Tesla asked to recall Model X and S vehicles over potential loss of essential functions

January 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – January 19, 2021 – A U.S. government agency has asked Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) to recall 158,716 Model S and Model X cars over its faulty main display screens, also known as the media control units (MCU). Software issues may cause the screens to turn off, resulting in the driver losing access to essential safety-related  information.

The ask is not an order and gives Tesla the opportunity to conduct a voluntary recall before the agency pursues further action.

The letter and the loss of essential features

On January 13, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent a letter to Tesla asking it to recall 2012-2018 Tesla Model S sedans and 2016-2018 Tesla Model X SUVs. The move was precipitated by a NHTSA investigation sparked by several thousands of complaints submitted to both the manufacturer and NHTSA directly, alleging issues with the screens.

In conversations with NHTSA the automaker acknowledged that all of the main display screens  were expected to fail eventually because the flash memory devices – that power the screens – wear out after a certain number of on-off cycles.  NHTSA found that their useful life is about five to six years, which is “insufficient” from the safety standpoint.

When the screens crash, they rob the driver of access to vital safety features, like defrosting, defogging and the backup camera. Other essential features, such as “audible chimes” that alert drivers to changes in the vehicle, may also disappear.

‘Huge negligence on the part of Tesla’

A lawsuit alleging that the screens fail  “after only a few years of normal use” was filed in May of last year and included 2014-2016 Model S and 2015-2016 Model X. In response, In November, Tesla expanded warranties to cover this defect and swerve away from a recall.  

A complaint filed in late December by the owner of a 2012 Tesla Model S alleged that the car’s heater and defroster stopped working right after a Tesla service center supposedly resolved the touchscreen issue, resulting in limited visibility while driving in the rain. The driver called the issue “a huge negligence on the part of Tesla.”

Safety concerns

NHTSA’s letter highlighted three main safety concerns that arise when the media control units in these Tesla vehicles crash.

Drivers cannot see the backup camera

New laws require cars built starting in May 2018 (and a certain percentage of cars starting in May 2016) must include a functioning backup camera. NHTSA asserts that if no backup camera feed is visible to the driver, the risk of a crash increases, “potentially causing injury or death.”

Drivers cannot control defogging or defrosting systems

These systems are considered essential to driver visibility. According to  NHTSA’s letter to Tesla, “the lack of a functioning windshield defogging and defrosting system may decrease the driver’s visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of crash.”

Drivers cannot hear alert chimes, such as turn signal “blinker sounds”

The car may no longer make clicking sounds that audibly remind the driver that the turn signal is engaged. Inability to receive these alerts compromises the safety of the driver and other motorists on the road.

Recent Tesla recalls

In November, Tesla Model X recall was launched for the 2016 model years because of pieces of the roof potentially flying off and striking other drivers.

Is your Model X or S affected?

It is possible that Tesla will recall these cars to resolve the MCU issue. At the moment, however, the number of potentially affected cars and the timeline of any corrective action are unknown. Bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check if your car is affected when details surrounding this potential recall become available. 

Rebecca RandTesla asked to recall Model X and S vehicles over potential loss of essential functions
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