Tesla has issued a recall for 2.2 million vehicles in the United States due to a rather unusual reason – the font size of the warning lights on its display is too small. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered this issue during a routine audit of Tesla vehicles, prompting the recall. The agency stated that warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
Fortunately, Tesla has not received any reports of crashes or injuries caused by this problem. To rectify the issue, the company will release an over-the-air software update, eliminating the need for Tesla owners to bring their vehicles into a service center. This convenient solution will ensure that the font size on the warning lights is adjusted appropriately.
The recall covers most Tesla models on US roads, including the recently released Cybertruck pickup, the Model X and Model Y SUVs up to the current 2024 model year, and the Model S and Model 3 sedans up to the 2023 model year. While this recall affects a significant number of vehicles, it is not as substantial as some of the previous recalls faced by Tesla.
In December, Tesla faced another over-the-air recall that limited the use of its Autopilot feature. This action was taken following a two-year probe by the NHTSA into approximately 1,000 crashes involving Tesla vehicles with Autopilot engaged. Additionally, a year ago, Tesla recalled all 363,000 US vehicles equipped with its “full self-driving” (FSD) feature after the NHTSA found that cars operating with this feature were violating traffic laws.
Both the NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board have been investigating incidents involving Tesla vehicles utilizing various driver assist features. Of particular concern are crashes into emergency vehicles at accident scenes. These investigations highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies.
Tesla’s FSD feature, despite being in a beta phase, remains a major selling point for the company. The promise of a self-driving car and the higher price tag associated with FSD attract both car buyers and investors. However, it is crucial for Tesla to address any safety concerns promptly and effectively to maintain consumer trust and confidence in their products.
In conclusion, Tesla’s recall of 2.2 million vehicles in the US due to small font size on warning lights demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers. By issuing an over-the-air software update, Tesla aims to rectify the issue without inconveniencing vehicle owners. While this recall may not be as significant as previous ones, it underscores the importance of addressing potential safety risks promptly in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous driving technology.