Tesla Recalls Half A Million Cars Due To Increasing Danger
Tesla issued an urgent recall for its cars for an issue that puts drivers in danger.
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Tesla has recalled around 500,000 vehicles due to trunk problems that increase crash risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) formally acknowledged the issue on Wednesday after being notified by the electric car company. The move is part of two separate recalls which will be fixed free of charge once owners are informed.
Of the two Tesla recalls the more pressing one concerns the Model S latch assembly on the front trunk hood. If the primary latch is released accidentally and the secondary latch is not engaged, the trunk may open without warning and obstruct the driver’s visibility. This increases the risk of a crash. An estimated 14 percent of the 120,000 recalled vehicles have the problem.
Tesla’s second recall is much larger and concerns over 350,000 Model 3 cars from 2017 to 2020. The problem lies with the rear backup camera which feeds into the car’s massive center-mounted display. In this instance, repeated opening and closing of the trunk can damage the cable for the rearview camera. The unavailability of the camera display may affect the driver’s back view and increase the risk of a collision.
According to the NHTSA, Tesla knows of no crashes or injuries due to either of these problems. The Elon Musk-led company is expected to send apology letters to owners in February and will reimburse anyone who’s already repaired their vehicle. Tesla became the world’s most valuable car company in 2020, with surging shares that helped it overtake sales of rivals like Toyota.
Through its subsidiary Tesla Energy, the company develops and is a major installer of photovoltaic systems in the United States. It is also one of the largest global suppliers of battery energy storage systems, with 3 gigawatt-hours installed. But the company has become infamous for quality problems as it rapidly increased vehicle output. But the company has become infamous for quality problems as it rapidly increases vehicle output.
Tesla is also pulling approximately 200,000 vehicles in China hours after the same recall was announced in the United States. The move covers three batches of cars produced between 2015 and 2020. The order is the latest blow to the brand which is also hugely popular in China. However, the company’s reputation has taken a hit following a series of crashes, scandals, and data security concerns, Reuters reports.
Despite the setbacks, the Texas-based company is still known for being adventurous. Earlier this year Tesla launched a new model that no one expected – a Cyberquad for kids. The $1,900 ATV is currently sold out and will begin shipping in two to four weeks. The four-wheel kids ATV is powered by a lithium-ion battery and runs on electricity just like the adult version. It has 15 miles of range with three configurable speeds of 5mph, 10mph, and 5mph in reverse.
Tesla says it takes 5 hours to charge completely. Things that affect the battery’s range include the user’s weight, the riding terrain, and the speed setting. Designed for children 8 years old and up, it is equipped with a full steel frame, a cushioned seat, and adjustable suspension with rear disk braking. The tiny vehicle also has LED light bars to complete the cyberpunk aesthetics.
