Tesla is recalling approximately 2.2 million vehicles, which accounts for almost all of the cars it has sold in the U.S. The reason for the recall is that the font size on the instrument panel for the brake, park, and antilock brake system warning lights is too small. This makes it difficult for drivers to read the lights, increasing the risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that the font size violates federal safety standards.
According to CBSNEWS, the vehicles affected by the recall include the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. Despite the font size issue, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths associated with the incorrect warning light fonts, according to a report by the NHTSA on January 30.
To address the problem, Tesla will be releasing a free over-the-air software update to fix the font size issue. Additionally, the company will send owner notification letters beginning on March 30.
In a separate development, the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary evaluation into reports of power steering problems in certain Tesla vehicles. The agency has received 2,388 complaints regarding drivers losing steering control in some 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. An engineering analysis has been launched to investigate the issue, which is a necessary step prior to issuing a recall.
In recent weeks, Tesla has issued several recalls. In January, the company recalled nearly 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a malfunctioning backup camera when the car is in reverse. In December, Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles across four different models to address a flaw in its Autopilot system. This action followed an investigation by the NHTSA into a series of crashes, including some fatal incidents, related to the Autopilot technology.
