Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has started to recall over 475,000 of its Model 3 and Model S electric vehicles in order to combat rearview camera and trunk problems that have lately been pressing, according to a U.S. highway safety regulator. The impacted model years in this recall run from 2014 to 2021, and the total amount of recalled cars comes to about half a million that were delivered last year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday Tesla is choosing recall 356,309 2017-2020 Model 3 cars in order to deal with rearview camera problems and 119,009 Model S cars because of front hood issues.
According to the NHTSA, for Model 3 sedans, "the rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying." Tesla reported that, for Model S cars, front hood latch issues could cause trunks to open "without warning and obstruct the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash."
The NHTSA also reported that Tesla claimed that it was not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths that have correlated with the problems that were highlighted in the Model 3 and Model S recalls. For Model S issues, Tesla plans to re-adjusting the latch device at service centers to solve the problem. Model 3 problems can be taken care of through the installation of new cable harnesses and guide protectors at no cost, according to Tesla. Newer versions of these Tesla vehicles can be purchased without these defects. The Model 3 problem is nonexistent for 2021 vehicles, and Model S vehicles are without defect if they were made after Dec. 23, 2020.
While none of the issues with either of the models have caused injuries or crashes, according to Tesla, the recalls have raised concern over a variety of problems that have involved an NHTSA investigation regarding Autopilot safety, recalls for parts such as touchscreens, and complaints about build quality issues, such as with panel gaps. Overall, Tesla's reputation for reliable cars has not been the best throughout 2021, and it is unknown as to when that may change.