Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has announced the recall of 1.85 million vehicles in the United States due to a software issue that fails to detect an unlatched hood, posing a potential safety hazard. This recall, issued on Tuesday, addresses a problem where an unlatched hood can fully open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted the severity of this issue, emphasizing that an unlatched hood opening during operation can significantly impede a driver’s visibility, leading to potential accidents. To mitigate this risk, Tesla is deploying an over-the-air software update designed to correctly identify when the hood is unlatched and alert drivers promptly.
Investigating the Issue
Tesla’s investigation into the hood latch problem began in late March after receiving customer complaints about unintended hood openings in Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China. This initial investigation led to a broader analysis from mid-April to early June, where Tesla examined samples from various regions to identify commonalities in the hood latch issues.
The analysis revealed that hood latch problems were more prevalent in China compared to Europe and North America. This discovery prompted Tesla to initiate engineering studies in Europe and North America on June 7 to inspect hood latch assemblies for potential deformations in switches. Following these inspections, Tesla decided on July 17 to voluntarily recall the affected vehicles out of an abundance of caution.
Scope of the Recall
The recall covers multiple Tesla models, including the 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. All affected vehicles feature a hood latch manufactured by Magna Closures Co. in China. As of July 20, Tesla has identified three warranty claims or field reports in the U.S. that may be related to this issue. However, the company has stated that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities caused by the hood latch problem.
Tesla’s proactive approach to this recall reflects its commitment to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. By addressing the hood latch issue through a software update, Tesla aims to ensure that drivers are adequately alerted if their hood is unlatched, thereby preventing potential accidents on the road.
Tesla’s History with Recalls
This recall marks Tesla’s largest since December when it recalled 2.03 million vehicles in the U.S. to install new safeguards in its Autopilot system. That recall affected nearly all of Tesla’s cars on U.S. roads at the time, underscoring the company’s willingness to take extensive measures to address safety concerns.
Tesla’s reliance on over-the-air software updates for recalls and safety fixes is a testament to the company’s innovative approach to vehicle maintenance and safety. This method allows Tesla to quickly address and resolve issues without requiring customers to visit service centers, thereby minimizing inconvenience and enhancing the overall ownership experience.
