Dive Brief:
- Tesla is recalling over 239,000 vehicles for a condition where the computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image when shifting into reverse, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The recalled vehicles include certain 2024-2025 Model 3 and Model S sedans, 2023-2025 Model X and 2023-2025 Model Y SUVs.
- Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to address the problem, but the automaker is still working to identify any vehicles that may have experienced a circuit board failure or stresses that can lead to one. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 7.
Dive Insight:
Tesla discovered the problem Nov. 21, 2024, after noticing rising numbers of vehicle computer replacements under warranty due to electrical shorts in the circuit board, according to the NHTSA. From Nov. 26 through Dec. 20, Tesla engineers investigated the issue, which included evaluations of the low-voltage battery supply, hardware vintage and firmware releases of the vehicles.
The investigators determined that a reverse current may cause a short in the circuit board of the vehicle’s computer when it’s powered on. An estimated 2% of the recalled Tesla models are suspected of having the defect.
From Dec. 20 to 27, Tesla assessed prior software releases and vehicle fleet data. Its investigators traced the fault to vehicles equipped with older software versions and elected to issue the voluntary recall on Dec 27.
Tesla began rolling out software updates (versions 2024.44.25.3 and 2024.45.25.6), on or shortly after Dec. 18 and vehicles produced on or after Dec.16 have received the new software, according to the NHTSA.
The revised software makes changes to the power up sequence to prevent shorting of the vehicle circuit boards or related power components. In addition, Model 3, Model S and Model X vehicles currently in production received a different computer after the end of production dates, which are listed in the vehicle’s information section.
However, if any Tesla vehicles experience a circuit board short prior to installing the new software or in a future release, Tesla will replace the vehicle’s computer at no cost to customers under factory warranty.
As of Dec. 30, 2024, Tesla received 887 warranty claims and 68 field reports related to failing rearview camera displays. The company, however, is not aware of any collisions or injuries as a result of the display failures.
Tesla began notifying all of its retail stores and service centers about the recall on or after Jan. 8.
