Tesla Recalls About 2.2 Million Electric Vehicles Over Warning Light Font Size
Tesla is recalling approximately 2.2 million vehicles due to the font size on the warning lights panel being too small, posing a safety risk. The company plans to address this issue with a software update.
Tesla's Vehicle Recall
Tesla is recalling about 2.2 million vehicles as the font size on the warning lights panel does not comply with safety standards, according to U.S. regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that a smaller font size can make it difficult to read critical safety information, increasing the risk of accidents.
This recall is one of many that Tesla has had to initiate in recent years, which is a setback for the company. Alongside this recall, the safety administration announced that a U.S. government investigation into steering issues affecting 334,000 Tesla vehicles was escalated to an engineering analysis.
Steering Issues Investigation
The investigation, which began in July, reviewed over 2,000 complaints regarding a loss of steering control in the 2023 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles. Drivers reported being unable to turn the steering wheel or requiring increased effort to do so. Many also received a warning message, 'Steering assist reduced,' either before, during, or after experiencing a loss of control.
The agency noted that a portion of drivers described their steering feeling 'notchy' or 'clicky' before or after the incidents occurred. Additionally, more than 50 vehicles were towed due to steering-related issues, from driveways, parking lots, roadsides, and intersections.
To address these concerns, Tesla will provide a free software update. The recall affects various models, such as the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles.
Previous Recalls and Concerns
In December, Tesla recalled over two million vehicles, including the popular Model Y, after federal officials criticized the company for not ensuring driver attentiveness when using the automated steering, accelerating, and braking system. This recall covered cars manufactured in the United States since 2012.
In January, the Chinese government announced a recall of almost all 1.6 million Tesla cars sold in the country to adjust their assisted-driving systems. This challenge for Tesla comes as it is the sole Western automaker capable of competing with Chinese manufacturers in the global electric car market, with China being one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for electric vehicles.
