In the United States, 29,348 Model X vehicles are recalled by the leading automaker, Tesla. The recall is reportedly due to a problem with its restraint control module that could lead the front passenger airbag to inflate “in an unintended configuration” in low-speed crashes, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Teslarati reported that it is also a concern when a young passenger is sitting in the front seat unrestrained and out of position. NHTSA’s Safety Recall Report stated:
“In certain low-speed collision events where a 3- or 6-year-old front passenger is unbelted and out of position, a passenger airbag that does not comply with FMVSS 208, Section 21.4, may increase the risk of injury.”
Over-the-air update
In a letter addressed to the NHTSA, the automaker stated that the issue would be fixed via an over-the-air software update.
On October 18, Tesla detected the issue in the affected Model X vehicles during a prescheduled Conformity of Production test. A decision on a voluntary recall was taken on November 8 after additional tests were carried out a week later to validate the initial test findings.
Owners of the affected Tesla models merely need to have their vehicles connected to the internet to have them fixed.
The Safety Report noted:
“At no cost to the customer, Tesla will deploy an over-the-air (“OTA”) firmware update to affected vehicles that updates the calibration of the restraint control module to ensure that the frontal passenger airbag complies with FMVSS 208, Sections 21.4 and 23.4.”
Furthermore, Tesla announced that beginning on November 15, a firmware update was made available to all vehicles in production and pre-delivery confinement to prevent similar problems.
Despite how severe the issue may seem, Tesla’s solution is simple. Early this week, it began providing affected vehicles with an over-the-air software upgrade. By mid-January 2023, owners will receive a letter from the automaker.
Call Tesla customer support for more details if you own a Model X and have inquiries regarding the recall.
