Tesla hit with huge US recall over safety issues
More than 475,000 Tesla EVs recalled over rear-view camera issue and problems with unsecured front bonnetTesla will recall 475,000 cars to fix a problem with the rear-view camera of the Tesla Model 3 and the front bonnet of the Tesla Model S, with both EVs judged unsafe by a top US safety body.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 356,309 Model 3 EVs made and sold in the US from 2017-2020 have a rear-view camera cable harness that can be damaged by the "opening and closing of the trunk lid".
Eventually after continued use, according to the NHTSA, the camera becomes completely inoperable.
Tesla said it first became aware of the wiring harness issue in June 2021 via its warranty division, after 2301 warranty claims were lodged.
Meanwhile, 119,009 Model S vehicles have issues with the front latch for its frunk, or front boot, that sees it open "without warning and obstruct the driver's visibility, increasing the risk".
According to Tesla, there have been no crashes, injuries or deaths related to the issues but, despite this, NHTSA has gone ahead and triggered the recall.
The latest recall adds to the list of safety woes afflicting Tesla in its home market.
NHTSA has already opened two formal investigations into the US car-maker – one over its Passenger Play function that initially allowed occupants to play games on the move.
The second is investigating why Tesla models are apparently susceptible to striking parked emergency vehicles, with the probe launched after a series of crashes.
A separate investigation has reportedly already prompted Tesla to recall 135,000 vehicles over an issue concerning with touch-screen that could fail and potentially cause a crash.
Tesla has yet to publicly comment on the most recent recall affecting almost half a million cars in the US, so it remains unclear whether other markets such as Australia are affected by the same safety issues.
To fix both the rear-view camera harness and the frunk issue owners are required to visit an authorised Tesla service centre to both replace the wiring harness or realign or reassemble the latching mechanism.
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