Tesla has announced a recall of nearly 380,000 vehicles in the United States due to a power steering assist failure that could make steering more difficult, particularly at low speeds. The defect raises concerns about increased crash risks, prompting the automaker to take corrective action.
The recall follows a more than one-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The probe began after Tesla owners reported steering failures, with some saying they were completely unable to turn the wheel, while others noticed significantly increased steering effort. The NHTSA revealed that over 50 affected vehicles had to be towed due to the issue.
Tesla has faced scrutiny regarding its steering and suspension components for years. A 2023 Reuters report found that tens of thousands of Tesla owners had experienced premature failures of these parts since 2016. The report cited internal Tesla documents, interviews with former employees, and customer complaints, raising concerns about the company’s quality control and safety measures.
Tesla’s handling of recalls has also been a subject of discussion. Unlike traditional automakers that require customers to visit a dealership for fixes, Tesla often resolves issues through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. While this approach is more convenient for customers, it does not always address potential mechanical failures that might require hardware replacements.
Affected models and software issues
The recall specifically impacts certain 2023 Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers running outdated software. According to Tesla’s filing with NHTSA, these vehicles may experience an overvoltage breakdown, which could overstress motor drive components on the printed circuit board. This overstress condition could lead to a failure of the power steering assist system.
Tesla explained that if the issue occurs while the vehicle is in motion, drivers will still have control over the steering, and a visual alert will notify them of the problem. However, once the vehicle comes to a stop, the power steering assist may shut down and remain disabled when the car moves again. This could make maneuvering at low speeds significantly more difficult, especially for drivers in tight spaces such as parking lots.
As of January 10, Tesla has identified 3,012 warranty claims related to this condition or potentially linked to it. However, the company has stated that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities resulting from the defect. To resolve the issue, Tesla has deployed an OTA software update, allowing affected vehicles to receive the fix without the need for an in-person service appointment.
While Tesla’s ability to address software-related problems remotely is often seen as an advantage, it also raises questions about whether such fixes adequately resolve underlying hardware vulnerabilities. Safety regulators and industry analysts will likely continue monitoring Tesla’s approach to recalls and quality control.
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Another Major Recall This Year
This marks Tesla’s second major recall of 2024. In January, the company recalled approximately 239,000 vehicles due to malfunctioning rear-view cameras. That issue raised safety concerns, as drivers rely on rear-view cameras for visibility while reversing. Tesla resolved that problem with another software update.
The growing number of recalls comes at a time when Tesla’s stock performance has been under pressure. Following the latest recall announcement, Tesla shares dipped slightly in premarket U.S. trading. The stock has declined by about 10% this year, following a strong performance in 2024.
Despite setbacks, Tesla remains a dominant player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The company continues to push forward with advancements in autonomous driving technology, software updates, and vehicle production. However, repeated recalls highlight the challenges of scaling up production while maintaining quality and reliability.
As Tesla expands its lineup and navigates regulatory scrutiny, consumers and investors will be watching closely to see how the company addresses safety concerns in the future. With increasing competition in the EV market, Tesla’s ability to maintain trust and deliver reliable vehicles will be crucial to its long-term success.
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