Tesla, the innovative electric vehicle manufacturer, has issued a recall for certain Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles due to a potential issue with the front-facing cameras. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the pitch angle of these cameras may not be correctly aligned to specification. As a result, important active safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist may malfunction without notifying the driver about their unavailability. This poses a safety risk as drivers may unknowingly rely on these features, leading to an increased risk of collisions.
The recall affects a total of 1,337 vehicles, with an estimated 80 percent of the units believed to have the defect. Specifically, the impacted vehicles include Tesla Model S cars manufactured between January 24 and July 10, Model X units produced between January 17 and July 2023, and Model Y vehicles manufactured between April 27 and July 13.
Tesla’s swift response to the issue came after the company identified 83 warranty claims and received 2 field reports that could be associated with the problem. However, it is important to note that Tesla has not been informed of any accidents, injuries, or fatalities resulting from this particular condition.
To rectify the problem, Tesla Service will conduct inspections of the pitch angle of the front-facing cameras on the affected vehicles. If necessary, they will adjust the camera angle to meet the required specifications, and this service will be provided free of charge to impacted owners.
This isn’t the first time Tesla has faced recalls. Previously, they recalled 137 Model Ys due to potential issues with improperly fastened steering wheels. Additionally, the Model 3 was recalled in April for problems with the front suspension lateral link fasteners, which could loosen over time and cause the suspension link to separate from the sub-frame.
According to a recent study by iSeeCars, Tesla has been identified as the most recalled car brand in the United States. The Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y all secured four out of the top five spots for the most recalled models. While recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry, Tesla’s commitment to addressing potential issues and ensuring the safety of their customers is crucial for maintaining trust and confidence in their brand.
If you own one of the affected Tesla models, it is essential to be vigilant for any notifications from the automaker regarding the recall. Ensuring that your vehicle receives the necessary inspection and adjustments, if required, will help to keep you and others safe on the road.
As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, safety remains a top priority for manufacturers and regulatory bodies. Tesla’s proactive approach to addressing this camera misalignment issue is an essential step in maintaining their position as a leading force in the electric vehicle market.