Tesla recalls 1.6m cars in China over Autopilot and steering defects
Tesla is recalling more than 1.6m Model S, X, 3 and Y electric vehicles exported to China for problems with their automatic assisted steering and door latch controls.
Recall affects majority of Tesla cars sold in China
Tesla is carrying out its largest ever recall in China, affecting over 1.6 million electric vehicles. According to Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, this recall covers the majority of cars that Tesla has sold in the country. The recall is due to issues with the automatic assisted steering and door latch controls.
China's state administration for market regulation announced the recall on Friday. However, Tesla aims to fix the problems remotely through software upgrades, reducing the need for car owners to visit service centers.
This recall comes after another massive recall of over 2 million Tesla vehicles in the United States last month. The aim of the recalls is to address concerns and improve the safety of Tesla's electric vehicles.
Recall details for the Chinese market
The recall in China specifically targets imported Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles. The automatic steering assist function is identified as the main problem, as it can lead to drivers misusing the combined driving function and increasing the risk of accidents.
In addition to the automatic steering assist issue, the recall also focuses on the door unlock logic control of imported Model S and Model X EVs. This issue affects a total of 7,538 vehicles manufactured between October 26, 2022, and November 16, 2023. The purpose of this recall is to prevent door latches from opening during a collision.
The context and response to the recalls
These recalls follow a two-year investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into crashes involving Tesla vehicles using the Autopilot system. The investigation revealed defects in the system, prompting the need for improvements.
Tesla is implementing software updates to address the issues. These updates will increase warnings and alerts to drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, encouraging better driver attention and reducing the risk of accidents.
It's worth noting that measuring torque on the steering wheel alone does not guarantee sufficient driver attention, according to research conducted by the NHTSA and other investigative bodies.
Tesla's presence in China is significant, as the country serves as a major market and manufacturing center for the company. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has developed close ties with Chinese officials, even amidst tense US-China relations. The company's electric vehicle plant in Shanghai plays a crucial role in supplying vehicles to China, Europe, and other international markets.
