In the United States Tesla is recalling approximately 475 000 Model 3 and Model S cars over faults with the bonnet and rear-view camera that can increase the chances of crashing.
119,009 Model S sedans made between 2014 and 2021 are being recalled over a misalignment of the bonnet in which a secondary latch can be prevented from working properly and therefore increasing the chances the bonnet will open while driving.
The 356,309 Model 3 cars made between 2017 and 2020 have been found to have serious issues with a cable harness for the review mirror. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla told them the harness may cause damage by opening and closing the boot of the car which would then wear down the cable to prevent the rear-view image from displaying.
According to Tesla, both issues will be fixed free of charge while also stating that they believe no deaths or accidents have been related to any of the issues with the Model 3 and Model S cars. However, mentioned that over 2,000 warranty claims could be linked to the technical defects.
The NHTSA was also investigating and reviewing a Tesla software update that allows driver to play a video game while they are driving, or the vehicle is moving with concerns it could pose as a distraction to drivers. In addition, another investigation is being undertaken on the Tesla Autopilot system after many head-on collisions were reported involving Tesla’s in the US.
In Australia there has also been a recent Tesla recall. 106 Model 3 cars manufactured between 2019 and 2021 were recalled by Tesla with the Department of Infrastructure stating the issue was with the suspension.
“The front suspension lateral link on Model 3 vehicles is attached to the sub-frame using two fasteners.
“If a fastener is not secured to the correct specification, the fastener may loosen over time or separate from the sub-frame, which could cause the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame,”
“If a fastener becomes loose enough or separates from the sub-frame such that the lateral link separates from the sub-frame, the wheel alignment could shift and cause instability, which may adversely impact vehicle controllability and increase the risk of a collision.”
After the recall on Thursday Tesla shares were down by 1.1 per cent.
