Thousands of Tesla vehicles are being called back due to a malfunction causing power steering assistance to fail
Tesla Recalls Model 3 and Model Y Vehicles Due to Power Steering Issue
Tesla has announced a recall of certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to an overstress condition in the printed circuit board controlling the vehicles' power steering. The recall potentially includes up to 376,241 Tesla vehicles equipped with older software versions prior to 2023.38.4.
The recall comes after an internal investigation by Tesla found that an overvoltage breakdown may overstress the circuit board's "motor drive components" in the affected vehicles. An estimated 1% of the recalled vehicles are suspected of having the defect.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a preliminary probe into the steering issue after receiving 12 reports of a sudden loss of power steering assist in 2023 Model 3 and Y vehicles after coming to a stop. Following several meetings with Tesla and the authority, Tesla voluntarily recalled the affected vehicles in all markets on Jan. 16.
Tesla states that the steering systems in Model 3 and Model Y are designed to prevent a loss of assist functions when the vehicle is moving, but may malfunction if a driver suddenly stops, and the vehicle starts moving again. As of Jan. 10, Tesla identified 3,012 warranty claims and 570 field reports for U.S. vehicles believed to be related to the power steering fault, but the company is not aware of any crashes or injuries.
The NHTSA conducted an engineering analysis in February 2024 after Tesla shared data and its evaluation of field reports. The European Union's European Commission opened an official investigation in December 2023 regarding complaints about the loss of fuel pressure control in vehicles. A regulatory authority in a "non-US market" also opened a formal inquiry in December 2023 to investigate complaints relating to loss of power steering assist on the vehicles.
As a software-defined vehicle maker, Tesla has the advantage of addressing many recalls with over-the-air software updates. Tesla provided an over-the-air software update on Oct. 19, 2023, to correct the issue. As of Jan. 23, 99% of Tesla's vehicles in the U.S. have already received software update 2023.38.4 or later.
Owner notification letters for the recall are expected to be mailed on March 25. Tesla's U.S. stores and service centers were notified about the recall on or shortly after Jan. 28. The company encourages owners to update their vehicles as soon as they receive the notification.
This recall is the latest in a series of recalls for Tesla, which has been known for addressing issues with over-the-air software updates. In January, Tesla recalled nearly 240,000 vehicles for a rear backup camera fault. Despite the recall, Tesla's vehicles continue to be popular, with the Model 3 and Model Y being among the best-selling electric vehicles in the world.
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