Summary
- Tesla recalls nearly 1.9 million vehicles due to hood closure issue
- Problem could cause hood to open while driving
- Issue related to hood latch assembly and software detecting unlatched hood
- Over-the-air software update released to affected vehicles
- Recall affects several models including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X built between specific dates in China
Article
Tesla has issued a recall for an issue with hood closures affecting over 1.8 million vehicles across all its model lines, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. The problem lies in the vehicle’s hood latch assembly and related software, which may fail to detect an unlatched hood after it has been opened, potentially leading to the hood opening while the vehicle is in motion. Tesla began investigating customer complaints of unintended hood opening events on Model 3s and Model Ys in China on March 25, prompting the recall.
In response to the issue, Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update on June 18 for the affected vehicles to address the problem. The update is designed to detect an unlatched hood, with firmware release 2024.20.3 and subsequent updates providing the remedy for the issue. Vehicles built after July 15 came off the assembly line with firmware 2024.20.100, which included the software fix. Affected models include all model-year 2021-2024 Model S sedans, 2021-2024 Model X crossovers, 2020-2024 Model Y crossovers, and 2021-2024 Model 3s manufactured between September 21, 2020, and June 2, 2024 in China.
The recall, filed under NHTSA campaign 24V-554, affects a significant number of Tesla vehicles and aims to address the potential safety risk posed by the hood closure issue. In the event of an unintended hood opening while driving, there could be significant safety concerns for both the occupants of the vehicle and other road users. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for more information on the recall and steps to ensure their vehicle’s safety.
The recall highlights the importance of addressing potential safety issues promptly and effectively, especially in the case of widespread vehicle recalls involving millions of units. Tesla’s response to the problem with hood closures demonstrates a commitment to customer safety and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent accidents and ensure the reliability of their vehicles. By issuing an OTA software update to address the hood latch assembly issue, Tesla aims to provide a quick and efficient solution to minimize the risk of unintended hood opening events on the affected vehicles.
In conclusion, the Tesla recall for hood closures underscores the importance of ongoing vehicle safety monitoring and swift action to address potential hazards. With millions of vehicles affected by the issue across various model lines, the safety implications of the problem are significant. Tesla’s release of an OTA software update to detect unlatched hoods and prevent unintended openings demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and ensuring the well-being of their customers. Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to contact the NHTSA for further information and guidance on addressing the recall to ensure the safety and reliability of their Tesla vehicles.
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