Tesla has announced a recall affecting 1.85 million vehicles in the United States. This action stems from a problem where the vehicle’s software fails to detect if the hood is unlatched, raising safety concerns.
An unlatched hood could potentially swing open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view and increasing the likelihood of a collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To address this, Tesla has started deploying an over-the-air software update as of mid-June. This update aims to detect when the hood is open and promptly alert drivers.
The recall encompasses several Tesla models, specifically the 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and the 2020-2024 Model Y. The issue is traced back to a hood latch manufactured by Magna Closures Co. Ltd. in China. Tesla first encountered this problem through customer complaints in China earlier this year and subsequently conducted a thorough investigation and hardware recovery.
While the issue has been less frequent in Europe and North America, Tesla initiated engineering studies and inspections of the hood latch assemblies in these regions. Despite the recall, there have been only three reported incidents in the U.S. related to this issue, with no reports of crashes or injuries.
This recall is Tesla’s largest since December when the company recalled 2.03 million U.S. vehicles to address issues with its Autopilot system. The previous recall followed reports of crashes linked to the updated Autopilot, prompting NHTSA to open a probe into the matter.
In the midst of these challenges, Tesla recently reported its lowest quarterly profit margin in over five years, highlighting ongoing struggles in the electric vehicle market as demand slows.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
