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Tesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

February 13, 2022 Bojan Popic Tesla Recalls

Austin, TX – February 13, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 26,681 sedans and SUVs whose windshields may fail to defrost or defog. This limits driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This is the company’s fifth recall this year, which affects the following vehicles;

2021 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
2021 – 2022 Tesla Model S
2021 – 2022 Tesla Model X
2021 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary

All vehicles that are a part of this recall have a heat, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), whose job is to heat and cool the car as needed. Due to a software error, the system may fail to defrost or defog the windshield and also “cause the loss of cabin heating.”

Recall risks

A fogged up or a frosted up windshield may limit driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the defrosting feature is not working properly, the driver will get a corresponding warning message from the HVAC system. In addition, drivers may notice that the windshield is fogged up.

Other Tesla recalls

This is Tesla’s fifth recall this year. There was a Model Y recall earlier this month – which also included Model 3, S and X – because of a feature that allowed these cars to “roll” through a stop sign under certain conditions. The automaker already disabled the feature thanks to an over-an-air (OTA) update.

You can read about other recent recalls and Tesla investigations in this article about a recent Tesla recall because of defective seat belt chimes.

The repair

Tesla will take care of this problem by issuing an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update. No Tesla windshield replacement will be necessary. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 1, 2022 but it is not clear when the update will be launched.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla defrost recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Tesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

February 12, 2022 Joseph Estabillo Tesla Recalls

Austin, TX – February 12, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has issued a recall for 817,143 vehicles across four models over a defective seat belt chime. The absence of an audible reminder to wear the seat belt may cause the driver to operate the vehicle without it, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

The recall covers the following models:

2021-2022 Tesla Model S
2021-2022 Tesla Model X
2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary

The vehicles have a seat belt chime that activates when the vehicle is started, reminding the driver to fasten the seat belt. This works together with a visual seat belt reminder that can be seen on the vehicle’s dashboard.

If the chime is interrupted when the vehicle was previously used while the seat belt was not fastened, a software error will prevent the chime from sounding off the next time the vehicle is used. This will happen if, for example, the driver left the vehicle while the chime was still going off with the engine running and then returned.

Recall risks

Drivers may not fasten their seat belts, which augments the risk of an injury in a crash.

While the chime will go off at speeds over 13.7 miles per hour (mph), this may not give the driver enough time to fasten the belt before an accident occurs.

Other Tesla recalls

The latest Tesla seat belt recall is the electric vehicle maker’s fourth, barely two months into 2022. There was a Tesla Model 3 recall spanning more than 356,000 vehicles in early January over faulty rearview cameras. This was followed by a Tesla Model S recall involving over 119,000 units for hoods that may open while the vehicle is traveling, obscuring the driver’s view.

The third advisory concerned over 53,000 Tesla vehicles over a “rolling stop” feature that allowed them to go through a stop sign without halting completely, presenting a higher risk of collision with other road users.

In addition to the recalls, the automaker is subject to two investigations, includin g one for potentially allowing drivers to play video games on the front console while on the road.

The repair

Tesla already released new firmware to correct the software error, enabling the chime to go off. The firmware update was deployed over-the-air (OTA) to the affected vehicles in late January and early February.

Owners will also receive letters with more information on April 1, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 800,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. To do a Tesla recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Tesla investigated over distracting video game feature

January 15, 2022 Rebecca Rand Tesla Recalls

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2022 – The U.S. Government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla’s “Passenger Play” feature which potentially allows drivers to play Tesla video games on the front console while on the road. The feature – which increases the risk of an accident – is present in the following models :

2017 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
2017 – 2022 Tesla Model S
2017 – 2022 Tesla Model X
2017 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary

The government regulator, NHTSA, opened an investigation in December of last year following a complaint alleging that interactive video games and live internet web search are available on the Tesla center console while the car is in motion.

Before December 2020, video games in Tesla vehicles could only be played when the vehicle was parked. But an update has allowed games to now be played while the car is in motion, requiring the player to only press a button confirming that they are not driving. NHTSA’s investigation will evaluate the “distraction potential” of this feature.

Risks

NHTSA is concerned that the availability of gameplay “may distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.” Read more about the dangers of distracted driving in this article about a 2020 Chrysler recall.

Other Tesla investigations

This summer, NHTSA opened a broad investigation into Tesla’s autopilot system after at least 11 cars crashed into parked emergency vehicles.

The autopilot system has also come under fire for not ensuring that drivers continue to pay attention to the road while autopilot is engaged, as intended. Other types of driver-assist, like GM’s super cruise, use infrared cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they are still watching the road. Tesla’s high-tech vehicles do not include this type of monitoring.

Is your vehicle part of a Tesla recall?

An estimated 580,000 Teslas could be subject to a future recall. Check your Tesla for open recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

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

January 9, 2022 Bojan Popic Tesla Recalls

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.

Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

January 6, 2022 Bojan Popic Tesla Recalls

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.

Tesla recalls cars that may brake on their own

November 6, 2021 Rebecca Rand Tesla Recalls

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.

US government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes

August 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand Tesla Recalls

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 vis ual 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.

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

July 25, 2021 Bojan Popic Tesla Recalls

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.

Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

July 7, 2021 Bojan Popic Tesla Recalls

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.

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

June 30, 2021 Rebecca Rand Tesla Recalls

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.

Recall summary

Recall risks

Warning signs

Other Tesla recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Other Tesla recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

Other Tesla investigations

Is your vehicle part of a Tesla recall?

Recall summary

Recall risks

Warning signs

Other Tesla Model S recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Warning signs

Recall risks

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

The repair

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Recall summary

Background of the recall

Warning signs

Recall risks

Recent Tesla recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Summary

Scope of the investigation

Safety tips

Investigation process

Tesla recalls in 2021

Will your vehicle be part of a recall?

Recall summary

Risks

Warning signs

Other Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Recall summary

Warning signs

Risks

Other Tesla recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

The repair

Recent Tesla recalls

Will your vehicle be affected by this recall?

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