The Tesla Model Y recall cannot be handled via software
Tesla is recalling thousands of Model Y vehicles — and this time, the word “recall” is undeniably appropriate.
In other recent recalls, CEO Elon Musk has expressed frustration with the word “recall” himself, as Tesla — unlike some rivals — was able to fix the issues simply via an over-the-air software update. Traditionally, the word “recall” means taking one’s car to a mechanic for work.
For example, last month, under pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla “recalled” more than 360,000 vehicles equipped with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software because of apparent accident risks.
However, since the fix only requires a software update, Musk agreed with a Twitter user who wrote, “It seems like terminology should be introduced to distinguish between recalls and software updates. Because, you know, one requires something to be remembered and the other doesn’t.”
musk answered: “Definitely. The word ‘recall’ for an over-the-air software update is anachronistic and just plain wrong.”
He made a similar statement last September, tweet: “The terminology is outdated and inaccurate.” That was after a “recall” of 1.1 million Tesla vehicles to ensure they fully meet NHTSA’s safety requirements for power windows. “This is a tiny over-the-air software update,” Musk added.
From the beginning, Tesla has designed its vehicles to take advantage of over-the-air fixes and updates.
Last year, consulting firm Deloitte published a study on software-defined vehicles that called Tesla “the epitome of the trendsetter.” “The transformation of the software-defined vehicle will be an unstoppable trend that will drive the development of the automotive industry in the next five to ten years,” it added.
But this time, real bolts might be rattling around, and for security reasons, they need to be secured – physically. According to an NHTSA recall report filed in late February, 3,470 Model Y (2022-2023) vehicles “may have had one or more of the bolts that attach the seatback frames to the lower seat frame not torqued to specification. ”
This means that “the seat belt system may not function as intended in a collision, which may increase the risk of injury to occupants in affected second-row seating positions,” it noted.
It added: “As of February 23, 2023, Tesla has identified 5 warranty claims received between December 9, 2022 and February 14, 2023 that may be related to the conditions described above. Tesla is not aware of any injuries or deaths that may be related to such conditions.”
wealth I contacted Tesla but did not receive an immediate response.
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