Why Tesla could massively recall Model S and X

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has asked Tesla to recall 158,000 cars after a hardware flaw was discovered that resulted in the loss of several major features.

Tesla is currently experiencing a golden era. The company has a series of profitable fiscal periods and has just broken its record for cars delivered in a single calendar year. It took a little grain of sand to tarnish the picture: in a letter sent on January 13, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, body responsible for road safety in the United States, asked the manufacturer to recall 158,000 vehicles affected by a hardware flaw affecting major functionalities.

The affected cars are Model S produced between 2012 and 2018 and Model X assembled between 2016 and 2018. They encounter a problem with the screen and the 8 GB flash memory that equips the control unit. By filling up each time it is started, it causes bugs that can lead to security problems: pNo more access to the reversing camera, no more demisting and defrosting commands, loss of certain functions related to Autopilot and / or driving (flashing lights, audible alerts, etc.).

Recall campaign required for Model S and Model X

According to the results of its investigation started in June 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that flash memory has a lifespan of five to six years. This longevity is considered too low ” for a room intended to provide safety functions to the driver – hence this request for a recall campaign. It also indicates that the victims of this flaw should be more and more numerous in the months to come – the time for the flash memory of problematic cars to fill up.

« Tesla has confirmed that all affected units will eventually fail, given the room’s fixed storage capacity. Adds National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The organization recognizes that the manufacturer has deployed updates to extend the deadline. But he says a recall would be the best solution since, for example, the sudden loss of the reversing camera, a mandatory device since 2018 in the United States, can increase the risk of accidents.

Tesla has yet to respond to these findings provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He has until January 27 to do so. If the company decides not to proceed with a recall campaign (there is no requirement at this time), it will need to provide additional justification to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The latter will then be able to take other measures that are more restrictive than a simple recommendation.

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