Tesla is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States, including Model S, X, and Y, due to a software glitch affecting the backup camera system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on Friday, citing concerns that the software malfunction could impede drivers’ visibility when reversing, potentially leading to an increased risk of accidents.
This latest recall follows a similar move by Tesla just two months ago when the company recalled almost all its vehicles in the U.S. to implement additional safety measures in its Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system. In the current situation, the rearview malfunction, attributed to software instability, poses a threat by reducing the driver’s visibility while reversing.
The recall specifically applies to Model S, X, and Y vehicles from the 2023 production year. Tesla has responded promptly by issuing a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to address the issue, as confirmed by the NHTSA. The regulator disclosed that, as of January 22, Tesla has already identified 81 warranty claims that may be linked to the rearview condition.
This development is part of ongoing scrutiny by the NHTSA, which initiated a probe into Tesla’s Autopilot system in August 2021. The investigation was prompted by more than a dozen incidents involving Tesla vehicles colliding with stationary emergency vehicles. While the recent recalls indicate Tesla’s commitment to addressing safety concerns, they also highlight the challenges of managing complex software systems in modern vehicles.
