Tesla Recalls Over 120,000 Vehicles Due to Door Safety Concerns
In response to safety concerns raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla is recalling more than 120,000 vehicles in the United States over potential risks related to unlocked doors during a crash.
The safety recall specifically applies to certain Model S and X vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023, as outlined in the NHTSA filing. The defect, discovered during a routine crash test on December 6, could lead to the unintentional opening of unlocked doors during a collision, heightening the risk of injuries.
Tesla, in collaboration with the NHTSA, has taken immediate steps to address the issue. An over-the-air (OTA) software update has been released to affected vehicles to rectify the safety concern. Notification letters are scheduled to be sent to impacted vehicle owners by February 17, 2024.
The electric vehicle manufacturer has urged owners to contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 for further assistance, using the recall number SB-23-00-009.
This safety recall comes on the heels of another recent Tesla recall in which nearly 2 million vehicles in the United States were called back to address concerns related to the use of the Autopilot feature. The NHTSA’s investigation revealed potential misuse and a false sense of security associated with the Autopilot system, leading to the need for corrective action.
Tesla promptly issued an OTA update for the Autopilot feature, enhancing driver warnings and reminders to maintain attention on the road while Autosteer is engaged.
These recalls are significant for Tesla, a company with a market cap exceeding $791 billion, positioning it as the world’s most valuable automaker. While Tesla’s market valuation has been primarily driven by future sales projections, proprietary software, and advancements in artificial intelligence, recent recalls underscore potential challenges that may impact the company’s standing in the automotive industry.
