Latest Tesla Recall Involves 500,000 Vehicles Due to Safety Issues

In yet another Tesla recall, the electric vehicle maker will check 475,000 vehicles it already sold for potential safety issues.

The recall involves specific Model 3 and Model S EVs. It will focus on rearview camera and trunk issues that may increase the risk of crashes.

RELATED: Tesla’s New AutoPilot is Insane

Tesla Recall Involves Safety Issues Nearly 500,000 EVs

Tesla will recall more than 475,000 of its Model 3 and Model S electric cars. The recall will address rearview camera and trunk issues that may heighten the risk of collisions and crashes.

Findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that safety issues can increase the risk of crashing. 

In addition, the NHTSA is in talks with Tesla regarding another camera issue. At the same time, the agency is looking into Tesla’s driver assistant system.

Tesla Recall Covers Models 3 and S from 2014 to 2021 Affected

The model years affected in the recall range from 2014 to 2021. Specifically, it will recall 356,309 2017-2020 Model 3s to address rearview camera issues.

Plus, it will recall 119,009 Model S vehicles for front hood issues. In total, the total number of vehicles almost equals the number of new vehicle deliveries Tesla made last year. 

The opening and closing of the trunk lid can damage the Model 3’s rearview camera cable harness, the NHTSA said. As a result, it can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

The company identified 2,301 warranty claims and 601 field reports regarding the issue. This covers Tesla vehicles sold in the USA.

Meanwhile, the Model S vehicles developed a latch problem. This can lead to the front trunk opening “without warning and obstruct the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.” 

Tesla Not Aware Of Any Crashes Relating to Issue

Meanwhile, Tesla said it was not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the safety issues. However, investors still felt spooked.

Shares fell as much as 3% during Thursday’s trading session. Later in the day, shares rebounded, with prices settling near $1,088.76. Analysts expect Tesla to report its quarterly vehicle sales deliveries as early as tomorrow. 

Earlier this month, the NHTSA initiated talks with Tesla about issues on some of its models’ side view cameras. In fact, CNBC earlier reported that Tesla started replacing defective repeater cameras in the front fenders of some EVs.

It did so without recalling the parts. Last August, the NHTSA also opened a formal safety probe into Tesla's driver assistance system. The agency believes that Tesla’s Autopilot system played a role in crashes involving Tesla models and emergency vehicles. 

NHTSA To Investigate Other Safety Issues

Tesla earlier announced that they will allow passengers to play games on car screens while traveling. As a result, the NHTSA initiated an investigation into 580,000 Tesla vehicles over the decision.

Eventually, the company agreed to remove the feature. In addition and under pressure from NHTSA, Tesla also recalled 135,000 vehicles last February.

This time, the issue was with touch-screen displays that could fail and raise the risk of a crash.

Watch the Reuters’ news video reporting that Tesla recalls almost half a million electric cars:

 Loading ...

Do you own a Tesla? If not, do you plan on buying a Tesla or any other electric vehicle?

Let us know what you think about Tesla and its numerous vehicle recalls. Share your comments below.