US government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

Washington, D.C. – June 19, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator took their investigation of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) collisions with emergency vehicles to the next level.

This investigation may result in a Tesla recall, which may affect an estimated 830,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2018 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2014 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 –2021 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation on August 13, 2021, following a total of 14 Tesla crashes with first responders.

In each event, the electric car, driving autonomously on the autopilot, would crash into a first-responder vehicle, which had stopped on the road to assist on a previous, unrelated accident. These accidents resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries. 

On June 8, 2022, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the potential safety defect that exists in connections with these collisions warrants a recall.

Why is the investigation being upgraded?

The investigation is now being upgraded on the back of the analysis of other crashes involving Telsa autopilots “not limited to first responder scenes”, as well as the discovery of additional crashes with first responder and “road maintenance” vehicles.

During this leg of the investigation,  NHTSA will continue to evaluate this crash data, examine a larger subset of Tesla vehicles and will focus on “driver behavior and associated system performance.” 

The goal is to determine if Teslas’ methods of ensuring drivers’ constant attention while the vehicle is on autopilot are sufficient.  The vehicles currently use 12 sensors and eight cameras to monitor the road but do not have anything that is ensuring that the driver is keeping their eyes on the road, as reported.

What has been found so far?

Between the time the original investigation was open and this next stage, the regulator discovered 16 additional first responder crashes and found that drivers were warned of the impending collision by the vehicle Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system “immediately prior to impact.”  Despite having their hands on the steering wheel and being able to see the first responder – at least in theory – around 8 seconds in advance, drivers did nothing to prevent the crash.

For more background on the investigation, please visit this article about the first stage of the investigation.

Risks

Collisions with civilian vehicles are one of the major causes of first responder deaths and are unfortunately becoming more widespread given the level of driver distraction and the fact that cars are soundproof. In addition to that, the drivers that collide with emergency vehicles – especially fire trucks – are also at a high risk of an injury because the size of the former.

Safety tips

To minimize distraction on the road, keep multitasking  – such as playing with the radio or car controls, listening to loud music, consuming food or beverages – to a minimum. If you see flashing lights behind you or come across an emergency scene, slow down and move over to give first responders space to work and protect them and yourself.

Other Tesla recalls 

Just recently, there was a Tesla software recall, which rectified the issue of vehicles’ failure to warn the pedestrians about their approach. In addition, there was a Tesla Model S recall in November 2021, caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla autopilot recall, possibly affecting over 800,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla model recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles not showing unit of speed

Austin, TX — May 7, 2022 — Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 48,184 2018–2022 Tesla Model 3 compact sedans whose unit of speed might not appear on the speedometer. The risk of a crash increases if the driver is not aware of how fast the vehicle is traveling.

Recall summary

The subject vehicles have a function called Tesla Track Mode, which is set to increase its driving performance when driving on “closed circuit courses.

In this mode, the unit of speed, i.e. miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h), may not be displayed on the speedometer even though the speed itself does appear. This is due to a firmware issue.

Recall risks

The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling which increases the risk of a crash.

Other recent Tesla recalls

In April, there was a Tesla Model 3 recall due to a faulty pedestrian warning system. The April recall superseded another recall issued in February this year.

In February, multiple models were recalled because their windshields may fail to defrost or defog, reducing the driver’s visibility and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Prior to that, over 817,000 Tesla cars were recalled for a seatbelt chime fault. The system failed to remind the driver to wear the seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury to those in and around the subject vehicles.

The repair

Tesla will perform a free over-the-air (OTA) update to resolve the issue.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by June 6, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 50,000 Tesla vehicles are included in this Tesla speedometer recall. To do a Tesla recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla recalls Model 3 vehicles not showing unit of speed

Tesla issues second recall for vehicles with faulty pedestrian warning systems

Austin, TX – April 24, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 594,717 vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians when approaching. This increases the risk of a crash or injury. This recall supersedes a previous recall issued over the same concern in February this year.

The recall applies to the following models:

  • 2020 – 2022 Model S
  • 2020 – 2022 Model X
  • 2020 – 2022 Model Y
  • 2017 – 2022 Model 3

Recall summary

These Tesla models have a Pedestrian Warning System (PWS), which warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s nearly silent approach. In the recalled vehicles the PWS may be inaudible due to the simultaneous use of the Boombox function which allows the vehicle to play other sounds in place of a regular horn in certain scenarios.

While the previous remedy was set to disable the PWS when the car is motion, going in reverse or when in “Neutral,” the feature is still available with the use of the optional Summon or Smart Summon feature.

These features allow the user to “summon” the car out of its parking space or “move it to a specific location” if the driver is standing within a set distance.

Recall risks

If the PWS is inaudible, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Background of the recall

For additional background on this recall, please visit the following page.

The repair

An over-an-air update under this recall will disable Boombox with the use of Summon or Smart Summon features at no cost to the owner.

In the previous recall, the update only applied to Reverse, Neutral and Drive.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by June 6, 2022. 

Other recent Tesla recalls

There was a Tesla Model X recall earlier this month because of front airbags that may fail to deploy if the windows are rolled down, as reported.

In February this year, there was a Model X recall because of windshield that may not defrost as designed, also as reported.

Some of these models are also subject a government investigation over a potentially distractive video game feature and phantom braking while driving on autopilot.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 600,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla Boombox recall. To do a Tesla recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla issues second recall for vehicles with faulty pedestrian warning systems

Tesla recalls vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy

Austin, TX – April 23, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 7,289 of 2021-2022 Tesla Model X vehicles whose front airbags may not deploy properly if front windows are rolled down. This reduces the level of protection during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.  

Recall summary  

Tesla vehicles that are affected by this recall have airbags on their A-pillars whose purpose is to protect occupants in front seats in case of an accident. Due to a design flaw, these airbags may not deploy properly if front windows are lowered when the accident happens

The components in question are front-row curtain airbags, with part numbers 1036759-00-G for the right-hand airbag and 1036756-00-G for the left-hand one. 

Recall risks

In a collision, the passenger front-row curtain airbags may not deploy as intended, which reduces the level of their protection,  increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Tesla Model X Recalls

Apart from this issue with Tesla Model X airbags, these vehicles may have been a part of some of the previous recalls. This includes issues with the pedestrian warning system and frosted-up windshields

The repair

Dealers will solve this issue on affected vehicles by replacing both left and right front row curtain airbags free of charge. Replacement parts are designed in a way that prevents improper deployment. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 7, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla airbag recall affects more than 7,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy

US government investigates Tesla phantom braking

Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicles that may unexpectedly brake while driving on autopilot. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This investigation may result in a recall, which may affect an estimated 416,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on February 16, following 354 complaints about phantom braking occurring when the vehicle was driving using the autopilot feature

Based on the complaints, vehicles would sometimes start braking “very aggresively”, although there were no obstacles on the road. This happened without any prior warnings or apparent reasons. 

The autopilot  – which is referred to as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – allows the vehicle to “ brake and steer automatically within its lanes.” 

Risks

A vehicle that slams on the brakes hard and unexpectedly may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a vehicles’ sudden reaction may confuse the driver and cause it to subsequently lose control over the vehicle. 

Other Tesla recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several recent Tesla Model 3 recalls, including one caused by failure to warn the pedestrians about its approach. In addition, there was another previous Tesla Model Y recall in November 2021, which was also caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  Both of the recalls included other Tesla models.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Tesla phantom braking investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 400,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check for your own vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla phantom braking

Tesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach

Austin, TX – February 18, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 578,607 vehicles that may not warn pedestrians of their approach. This increases the risk of a crash.

This is the sixth Tesla recall in the past couple of months. It applies to the following models:

  • 2020 – 2022 Model S
  • 2020 – 2022 Model X
  • 2020 – 2022 Model Y
  • 2017 – 2022 Model 3

Recall summary

All the vehicles that are included in this recall have a so-called Boombox function. The Boombox function allows owners to play any sound in place of the regular horn when the car is moving. At the same time, these cars are equipped with the Tesla Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) which warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s typically quiet approach.

The Boombox sound may “obscure” the PWS since they are both played through the same speaker. This means that pedestrians may be unaware of the car’s approach. 

Recall risks

Inaudible pedestrian warnings increase the risk of a crash. Fortunately, Tesla has not recorded any injuries or fatalities related to this issue.

Other recent Tesla recalls

In 2022 and late 2021, the above-mentioned Tesla models have already been subject to five additional recalls, as well as a government investigation over a potentially distracting video game feature.

The most recent Tesla Model Y recall was earlier this month due to frosted-up windshields which limited the driver’s visibility, as reported. Prior to that,  there was a Tesla Model S recall due to faulty seat beltchime, preceded by a Tesla Model 3 recall due to these cars not fully stopping at stop signs. 

You can read up on the investigation and the other Tesla recalls that have already been issued this year here

Repair

To remedy the situation, Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) update to disable the Boombox functionality when the car is in Reverse, Neutral and Drive. This will be done at no cost to the owners.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by April 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than half a million Tesla vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach

Tesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

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.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

Tesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

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, including 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.  

Joseph EstabilloTesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

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

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

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