Tesla is recalling thousands of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States due to malfunctioning warning systems. According to official documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 125,227 Teslas are being recalled after it was discovered that the audio and visual alerts meant to remind drivers to fasten their seatbelts might be inactive due to a faulty occupancy sensor in the seat.
Although the number of affected vehicles is relatively low, the production date range is extensive. For example, the recall spans Tesla Model S vehicles produced from 2012 to 2024. This wide range suggests that only vehicles equipped with a specific type of seatbelt reminder logic experienced the issue. Other affected models include the 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y.
To address this issue, Tesla plans to implement new software that eliminates the system’s reliance on the faulty occupancy sensor. Instead, the new software will solely use data indicating whether the seatbelt is latched when the ignition is activated to decide whether to prompt the driver to buckle up. This update means that drivers accustomed to not wearing a seatbelt can still bypass the reminder by buckling the seatbelt behind them, much like drivers did in the 1970s and 1980s.
The solution to this problem is a straightforward software update that will be delivered over-the-air, so owners will not need to visit a service center. This is a more convenient fix compared to a previous seatbelt-related recall in 2023, which required 15,869 Model S and X EVs to return to dealerships to ensure the seatbelts were correctly attached to their pretensioners.
In the previous recall, Tesla received 12 warranty claims, whereas the current seatbelt recall has resulted in 104 warranty claims. Despite the higher number of claims, no injuries or accidents have been linked to either defect.
Tesla's ability to resolve the current issue with a software update highlights the advantages of modern vehicle technology, allowing for more efficient and less intrusive fixes. This capability is particularly beneficial in maintaining the safety and reliability of their vehicles without causing significant inconvenience to their customers. As Tesla continues to innovate and improve its vehicles, addressing such issues swiftly and effectively remains crucial to ensuring customer trust and satisfaction.