Tesla Recalls 2.2 Million Vehicles Covering 13 Model Years

Click for more on Tesla recalls.

Tesla is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, “Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems” and 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”

A visual warning indicator whose letter font size is smaller than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), as prescribed in FMVSS Nos. 105 (105 – Hydraulic and electric brake systems) and 135 (135 – Light vehicle brake systems), could reduce the driver’s detection of it when illuminated, increasing the risk of a collision.

The remedy for this safety defect increases the letter font size of the Brake, Park and Antilock brake system (ABS) visual warning indicators to be not less than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), as prescribed in FMVSS numbers 105 and 135. Remaining affected vehicles will receive the same over-the-air software remedy with an upcoming release in February 2024.

Tesla has started releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge as required by awakened US safety legislation. Owner notification letters are not expected to be mailed until 30 March 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-24-00-003. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA safety defect Campaign Number 24V051.

Chronology

• On January 8, 2024, as part of a routine compliance audit involving a 2023 Tesla Model Y being tested to FMVSS No. 135, NHTSA notified Tesla that the vehicle failed to comply with the letter font size height requirements, as prescribed in FMVSS No. 135, S5.5.5(a).
• Tesla began investigating the complaint, including a review of manufacturing and software records.
• On January 24, 2024, having completed its assessment, Tesla voluntarily made a recall determination.
• As of 24 January 2024, Tesla identified three warranty claims that may be related to the defect.
• Tesla claims it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths that may be related to this safety defect.