Tesla recalls over 120,000 vehicles due to door risks
Tesla is recalling more than 120,000 vehicles because unlocked doors may open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury, according to safety regulators.
Tesla recalls over 120,000 of its vehicles over door risks
Tesla is recalling more than 120,000 of its vehicles due to a safety concern related to unlocked doors during crashes. This defect affects certain Model S and X vehicles from 2021-2023 in the United States. The recall was initiated after a routine crash test conducted on December 6 revealed the issue. Tesla has not received any reports of injuries or claims associated with this problem.
To address the safety defect, Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update for the affected vehicles. The company will also be sending notification letters to owners by February 17, 2024. Owners can contact Tesla customer service or refer to the recall number SB-23-00-009 for more information.
Autopilot risks
In addition to the door recall, Tesla recently recalled nearly all of its 2 million vehicles in the United States due to concerns with the use of its Autopilot feature. This recall followed a two-year investigation by US safety regulators into around 1,000 crashes involving Autopilot.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that the Autopilot system can give drivers a false sense of security, leading to misuse in certain dangerous situations where Tesla's technology may not be able to safely navigate the road. Tesla responded to the recall by issuing an OTA update that provides drivers with more warnings to stay attentive while using the Autopilot function.
The value of autopilot
Despite the recent recalls, Tesla remains the most valuable automaker in the world with a market cap surpassing $791 billion. This valuation is based on factors such as projected sales, Tesla's proprietary software, and its advancements in AI technology. However, the recalls may pose a threat to Tesla's top position in the industry.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously expressed confidence in the company's long-term potential, stating that fully autonomous cars and humanoid robots could significantly contribute to Tesla's future success. The impact of the recalls on Tesla's market position is yet to be determined.
