Over 300,000 Tesla cars impacted by back-to-back recalls over collision risk

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Firmware issues led to back-to-back recalls of Tesla vehicles, NHTSA reported.
• About 30,000 Model X vehicles had an airbag system issue, while over 320,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles had a taillight issue.
• The issues can be resolved with a software update.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported back-to-back recalls issued by Tesla, one of which involved over 320,000 vehicles.

The company informed all stores and service centers about two separate recalls.

One recall involves about 30,000 Tesla Model X cars in model years 2021 to 2023. Some low-speed collisions could potentially deploy the front passenger airbag system incorrectly.

NHTSA said that the issue can be solved with a software update, which is free for current owners of the Model X vehicle. According to the report, vehicles still in production and contained pre-delivery have already received the firmware update that includes the remedy on Nov. 15.

The second recall involved a combined 321,628 Model 3 vehicles in model year 2023 and Model Y vehicles in years 2020-2023. The issue involved taillights that turned off randomly, causing potentially reduced visibility in dark conditions, thus increasing the risk of collision.

An over-the-air firmware update can resolve the issue. The update, which can be likened to a software patch sent to a smartphone or computer, is part of Tesla’s proprietary programming.

The recalls have not been linked to any injury or death so far.

Another voluntary recall earlier this month involved over 40,000 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles over a potential loss of power steering. The report stated that a firmware release in October led to some vehicles losing power steering when driving over potholes or bumpy roads. The defect reportedly affected around 1% of the recalled vehicles.

According to the NHTSA, the issue could also be resolved with a software update.

You can check if your vehicle is part of a recall in this database curated by USA Today.

Source: USA Today