NHTSA Digs Into Tesla Over Whether Or Not It Should Have Issued A RECALL Of 2,000 Model S And Model X Vehicles

Earlier this year, owners of 2012-2019 Tesla Model S and Model X electric cars received an over-the-air software update that was meant to address battery management systems. Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to know if Tesla should have recalled the cars for a potential defect.

NHTSA published the open investigation documents this week and summarized concerns from some owners that the battery management software update was in response to a potential defect. Further, some owners attest this update also reduced their Tesla's electric driving range. This update happened in one or more over-the-air pushes and began in May 2019.

The potential defect dealt with a fire risk that could occur outside of a crash. This potentially applies to some 2,000 Tesla Model S and Model X cars. NHTSA aims to learn if the automaker failed to file a recall and notify the agency of the potential defect...

valhallakey - 10/5/2019 10:52:46 PM

-1 Boost

Interesting question. Should you recall vehicles for a coding error that can be corrected over the air? I would say you should alert affected owners either via an over the air alert upon entering the car or some other method. However a formal kind of recall does not make much sense when you can fix it without the car ever going to a shop.

valhallakey - 10/6/2019 9:59:42 AM

+4 Boost

Agreed things like this should be registered with NHTSA. Recalls always make me think of products being sent back to the manufacturer...but of course they should be appropriately registered and owners notified.