The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Tesla is recalling more than 230,000 vehicles. The recall addresses a problem where certain models’ rearview cameras fail to display an image.
Rearview Camera Malfunction and Compliance Issues
The NHTSA identified a computer circuit board shortage as the cause of the malfunction. This issue prevents the rearview cameras in specific Tesla models from showing images, potentially increasing crash risks. The malfunction means these vehicles do not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard’s “rear visibility” requirements.
Tesla has not yet responded to USA TODAY’s request for comment about the recall.
Models Included in the Recall
The recall involves 239,382 Tesla vehicles. The affected models are:
- Model 3 (2024-2025)
- Model S (2024-2025)
- Model X (2023-2025)
- Model Y (2023-2025)
Fixing the Rearview Camera Issue
Tesla owners can resolve the problem through a free over-the-air software update, according to the NHTSA. For vehicles with circuit board failures or those at risk of failure, Tesla will replace the computers free of charge.
The NHTSA plans to mail owner notification letters on March 7.
Federal Investigation into Tesla’s Self-Driving Features
In addition to the recall, the NHTSA is investigating 2.5 million Teslas. The investigation concerns crashes potentially caused by the vehicles’ Smart Summon or Actually Smart Summon features.
These features allow users to remotely move their vehicles using a phone app, directing them to the user or a specific location. The agency’s evaluation will determine whether to escalate the investigation to an engineering analysis before deciding on a recall, as reported by Reuters.
How to Check for Recalls on Your Vehicle
If your Tesla model is not listed, you can still verify recalls for your vehicle. Search the NHTSA’s database by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN).