Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company faces heavy loss after recalling 700,000 vehicles due to fault that ‘increases crash risk.
Tesla has issued a recall for 694,304 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous issue involving the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
This flaw increases the risk of crashes by failing to alert drivers about low tire pressure properly.
Models affected by the recall
The recall affects Tesla’s Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Customers will receive notification letters starting February 15, 2025.
Tesla has assured customers that the issue can be fixed with a free software update. However, until the update is applied, the fault will persist.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the TPMS warning light may fail to stay illuminated between driving cycles.
This could prevent drivers from knowing their tire pressure is too low, which poses a significant safety risk.
The NHTSA’s letter stated:
“The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
“Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.”
Thankfully, no injuries, crashes, or deaths have been reported so far due to this specific fault.
Tesla’s history of recalls
This isn’t the first time Tesla has had to recall vehicles for safety reasons:
– July 2024: 1.8 million vehicles were recalled due to a software fault that failed to detect unlatched hoods.
– May 2024: 125,000 vehicles were recalled for seat belt issues.
– February 2024: Over 2 million vehicles were recalled because warning signals appeared in an unreadable smaller font size.
Previously, Elon Musk also faced a lawsuit over a fatal autopilot crash
Tesla’s self-driving ‘autopilot’ feature has also come under scrutiny. A family filed a lawsuit after a tragic accident on February 18, 2023.
Genesis Giovanni Mendoza Martinez, 31, died when his Tesla, using the ‘autopilot’ feature, crashed. His parents and brother, who were also in the car, suffered injuries.
The lawsuit blames Tesla for allowing an ‘ill-equipped’ self-driving feature to be accessible to drivers. Tesla, however, defended its technology, stating that the vehicle design meets safety standards.
In short, Tesla has emphasized its commitment to resolving safety issues promptly.
Customers affected by the recall should ensure their vehicles receive the necessary updates to address the TPMS issue.
Tesla continues to innovate in electric vehicle technology. However, these recurring issues highlight the importance of stringent quality control and customer safety.