Teslas are occasionally recalled, whether it’s for a new safety feature, another reason, or both.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Numerous problems, including as faulty batteries, software flaws, and broken headlights, can lead to Tesla recalls. A recall is likely if the problem compromises the driver’s safety or experience in general.
- There have been many recalls involving Tesla cars, including changes to the self-driving software, problems with seatbelts, window mechanisms, and front-camera alignment.
- Depending on the individual problem, different customers are affected differently by a Tesla recall. Over-the-air upgrades can cure software-related problems, but a trip to a Tesla dealership or repair shop for a hands-on remedy may be necessary for hardware-related problems. Owners should determine whether their car qualifies for a recall and, if so, schedule a repair or inspection.
Over the past ten years, Tesla’s popularity has soared, yet even this infamous EV maker has its share of issues. Tesla recalls have occurred frequently in the past, but what problems qualify as recalls, how will they impact you as a customer, and how can you determine whether your Tesla needs to be recalled?
What Is a Tesla Recall?
When a product is found to be defective or harmful, it is recalled. Anything can be recalled, including tech products, kid’s toys, and pet food.
Any number of issues can lead to the recall of an EV. Perhaps the vehicle’s batteries are bad, the software is glitchy, or the headlights are either too bright or too dim. A recall is probably in order if the problem has an effect on the driver’s safety or overall experience.
If your Tesla is recalled and the problem is hardware-related, it might need to be physically carried back into a garage. If the problem is software-related, a straightforward patch update might fix it. Since Tesla’s software upgrades are automated (as long as your car’s Wi-Fi is functioning), you won’t need to move your vehicle or take any other action in this situation.
Which Tesla Models Have Been Recalled?
Throughout the early half of the year, Tesla 2023 recalls were frequent.
Tesla experienced a significant recall in February 2023. As a result of the need for a self-driving software upgrade, Tesla in this case recalled approximately 360,000 electric vehicles. Tesla’s self-driving software beta, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, did not adhere to the law and might have permitted illegal driving.
Models X, S, Y, and 3 Teslas with a combined production date of about six years were included in this recall. Fortunately, an over-the-air update could remedy this specific recall issue, saving owners the hassle of taking their EVs to the dealer for inspection.
Tesla recalled around 16,000 Model X and S vehicles for seatbelt problems in the middle of 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an inquiry into these vehicles, which were produced between 2021 and 2023, after multiple Tesla owners submitted warranty requests for seatbelt-related problems.
In a Tesla Support post, Tesla addressed the issue and said that it would voluntarily recall some X and S models to “inspect and ensure both first-row seat belts are properly connected to their respective pretensioner anchors.” Additionally, Tesla warned that if the anchors had a problem, “the seat belt may not perform as designed in a collision,” endangering the driver.
It was suggested to the Tesla drivers who were impacted to take their vehicles to a Tesla dealership so the seatbelts could be checked.
Tesla recalled about 24,000 Model 3 vehicles in October 2022 due to problems with the seatbelts. Another recall was issued two months prior as a result of issues with the window mechanisms on over a million Tesla vehicles.
Additionally, Tesla recalled 38 of its Model X EVs in April 2023 due to problems with the rearview camera.
For the Tesla Model 3, there have also been many more recalls. In fact, the Model 3 has been linked to four distinct problems that could lead to a recall, including…
- Adaptive/automated steering contributes to fast and illegal driving.
- defective tail lights.
- improperly positioned airbags.
- the battery disconnecting improperly.
There were two recalls in 2022. One of them concerned improperly installed sub-frame mounting brackets on Model Y vehicles, while the other, as already indicated, featured malfunctioning tail lights on Model 3 vehicles.
How Tesla Recalls Affect Customers
Depending on the exact problem, a recall may or may not have an impact on a client. If the recall involves a software problem, Tesla could be able to provide an online update that will immediately fix the bug, vulnerability, or issue at hand.
However, many Tesla recalls have included hardware, necessitating a hands-on repair. Inconvenience enters the scene at this point. Taking your Tesla in for a recall can be very annoying if you want to go on a road trip or need it for a significant event. The majority of owners don’t want to drive about with a problem with their car, even if it isn’t life or death, so they try to book a visit with their nearby dealership as soon as they can.
How to Check and File for a Tesla Recall
Knowing if your Tesla qualifies for a recall is crucial for both your driving enjoyment and road safety.
Checking for a Tesla Recall
Tesla has a dedicated search engine where you can enter your VIN to see whether your car has ever been recalled if you want to see if your Tesla needs to be recalled. Your Tesla’s VIN can be located on the following:
- The front passenger door’s inside.
- Windshield.
- the passenger door’s inside.
- the front passenger’s seat’s base.
- pillar above the door.
As an alternative, you can locate your Tesla’s VIN in your registration or insurance paperwork.
Filing for a Tesla Recall
If you’ve verified that your Tesla model qualifies for a recall, Tesla ought to contact you personally. The precise issue will then be fixed for free, whether it takes the form of an over-the-air update or a hands-on remedy at a garage or dealership.
Make an appointment with your nearby Tesla dealership to bring your car in if it needs to be inspected in person. By choosing Service > Request Service > Other and then Something Else for your justification in the Tesla app, you can accomplish this. Then you should make it clear that you must bring your car in as a result of a recall and outline the details of the recall.
Although Teslas have a four-year warranty, it’s better to contact your nearby dealership to see if you can schedule a fix if the vehicle has been recalled.
The General Recall Reimbursement Plan offered by Tesla is also applicable to owners who “paid to have service to remedy the defect or noncompliance before a specified ending date.” If you are required to pay for a service because of a recall, make sure you are informed of this.
Tesla Recalls Range From Minor to Major and Everything Else
Even while some Tesla recalls are very modest, it’s still crucial to have your car inspected if it meets the requirements or to have its Wi-Fi turned on if you’ve been informed of an imminent over-the-air upgrade. By doing this, you can make sure that your Tesla does not have any hazardous defects that could endanger you or negatively affect your driving experience.