Electric vehicle giant Tesla initiated a safety recall on Tuesday, affecting about 1.85 million models over a hood latch issue that could increase the risk of a crash.
Tesla started investigating the issue in March after it received complaints from owners in China.
Issue
The affected Tesla electric cars apparently have a software issue preventing them from detecting an unlatched hood, which could cause it to fully open and block the driver’s view on the road.
As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted in the recall notice, an unlatched hood opening fully could result in a crash.
“Unknowingly driving a vehicle with an unlatched hood may result in the hood fully opening and obstructing the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a collision.”
NHTSA
Coverage
The safety recall involves 1.8 million Tesla electric vehicles under the S3XY lineup:
- 2013-2024 Tesla Model S produced from November 12, 2013 – July 15, 2024
- 2016-2024 Tesla Model X produced from April 20, 2016 – July 15, 2024
- 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3 produced from September 06, 2017 – July 15, 2024
- 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y produced from January 09, 2020 – July 15, 2024
“The subject population includes certain Model Year (MY) 2017-2024 Model 3 vehicles manufactured between September 6, 2017 – July 15, 2024, equipped with a hood latch produced in China, and all delivered MY 2013-2024 Model S, MY 2016-2024 Model X, and MY 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles.”
NHTSA
Remedy
Tesla has already started releasing the over-the-air (OTA) software fix for affected electric vehicle models on June 18, 2024, at no cost to owners.
The firmware release 2024.20.3 or a later iteration enables Tesla EVs to detect the open hood and display a notification of the hood’s open state.
Tesla also released the software version 2024.20.100 starting July 15, 2024, incorporating the software remedy.
The planned dealer notification date is July 26, 2024, while the owner notification date is set for September 22, 2024.
This software push marks Tesla’s latest large-scale product recall involving software problems. Affected owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 and NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
