recall alert

Tesla Recalling Nearly Half a Million Model 3s, Model S Cars Over Possible Safety Issues

The company discontinued a problematic part in its Model 3 at the end of the 2020 model year and the 2021 models are not affected

Tesla
Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images

What to Know

  • All Model 3s from model years 2017 to 2020 are included in the recall, along with certain Model S cars from 2014 to 2021
  • A coaxial cable for the Model 3 backup camera can become worn and fail to transmit images to the dashboard console, affecting the driver's view and increasing the risk of collision
  • Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths caused by the defects

More than 475,000 Tesla vehicles are being recalled due to a pair of potential safety concerns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Thursday.

Tesla is recalling Model 3s because a coaxial cable for its backup camera can become worn and fail to transmit images to the dashboard console. Model S vehicles are also being recalled over worries a front trunk latch assembly misalignment could cause the hood to open unexpectedly and block the driver's view of the road.

All Model 3s from model years 2017 to 2020 are included in the recall, with as many as 356,309 cars affected, according to NHTSA, while certain 2014 to 2021 Model S vehicles being recalled may affect up to 119,009 cars. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths caused by the defects.

The coaxial cable in the Model 3s is attached to a harness on the trunk lid and can become worn after repeated opening and closing of the trunk. If the core of coaxial cable separates due to excessive wear, the rearview camera feed will not be visible on the center display, affecting the driver's view and increasing the risk of collision, the NHTSA said.

Tesla will inspect the trunk harnesses in affected vehicles and equip the harness with a guide to protect it from further wear if necessary. Owners who paid to replace or fix the trunk harness for the same issue prior to the recall may be eligible for reimbursement from Tesla.

Tesla discontinued the problematic trunk harness at the end of the 2020 model year. All 2021 Model 3 vehicles have a different harness design.

The Model S, meanwhile, may have its front trunk latch assembly misaligned, preventing a secondary latch from engaging and securing the hood.

Tesla Service will inspect and, if needed, fix the alignment of the hood latch assembly, free of charge.

A letter notifying owners of the respective issues will be mailed beginning on Feb. 18.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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