Tesla’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past decade, but even this infamous EV manufacturer isn’t immune to problems. Tesla recalls have taken place numerous times in the past, but what kinds of issues constitute a recall, how will it affect you as an owner, and how do you know if your Tesla needs to be recalled?
What Is a Tesla Recall?
A recall occurs when a product has been identified as faulty or dangerous. Anything can get recalled, from tech devices to children’s toys to pet food.
An EV can be recalled for any number of reasons. Maybe its batteries are faulty, its software is buggy, or its headlights are too bright or dim. Whatever the issue, if it impacts the driver’s safety or overall experience, a recall is likely.
If your Tesla is recalled, it may have to be physically taken back into a garage if the issue is hardware-related. However, if the issue is software-related, a simple patch update may do the trick. In such a case, you don’t have to take your car anywhere or do anything, as Tesla’s software updates are automatic (as long as your car’s Wi-Fi is active).
Which Tesla Models Have Been Recalled?
Tesla’s 2023 recalls were numerous during the first half of the year.
A particularly large Tesla recall took place in February 2023. In this instance, Tesla recalled over 360,000 EVs as an update was required for the self-driving software. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled that Tesla’s beta version of the self-driving software didn’t meet legal requirements and had the potential to allow unlawful driving.
Included in this recall were Model X, S, Y, and 3 Teslas, spanning a manufacturing date of around six years. Luckily, this particular recall issue could be fixed via an over-the-air update, meaning owners didn’t have to drive their EVs to dealerships for inspection.
In mid-2023, Tesla recalled almost 16,000 Model X and S cars for seatbelt issues. These cars were manufactured between 2021 and 2023, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation after numerous Tesla owners filed warranty claims over seatbelt issues.
Tesla discussed the problem in aTesla Support post, stating that the company would voluntarily recall certain X and S vehicles to “inspect and ensure both first-row seat belts are properly connected to their respective pretensioner anchors.” Tesla also stated that a fault with the anchors could mean that “the seat belt may not perform as designed in a collision,” which puts the driver at risk.
The affected Tesla drivers were advised to take their cars to a Tesla dealership to have the seatbelts inspected.
In October 2022, Teslarecalled over 24,000 Model 3 carsdue to seatbelt buckle issues. Two months earlier, another recall was issued due toproblems with over a million Tesla’s window mechanisms.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the windows may pinch users by overexerting force when retracting, which resulted in the recall. But this was fixed with an over-the-air update.
But that’s not all. Tesla also recalled over 1,300 of its vehicles, again the S and X models, due to possible front-camera issues. It was suspected that the recalled vehicles may have had incorrectly aligned cameras, which would affect various features, such as emergency braking and collision alerts. Some Y models were also recalled due to this issue.
Additionally, rearview camera issues led to Tesla recalling 38 of its Model X EVs in April 2023.
There have also been numerous other recalls for the Tesla Model 3. In fact, the Model 3 has had four separate issues identified for possible recall, including…
Two recalls took place in 2022. One of these involved an ill-fitted sub-frame mounting bracket onModel Y vehicles, while the other involved faulty tail lights on Model 3 vehicles, as previously mentioned.
How Tesla Recalls Affect Customers
The degree to which a recall affects a customer depends on the specific issue. If the recall is related to a software issue, Tesla may be able to issue an online update, which will automatically solve the bug, vulnerability, or other problem being faced.
However, numerous Tesla recalls have been hardware-related, which means a hands-on fix is required. This is where inconvenience comes in. If you plan on taking your Tesla on a road trip or need it for an important event, taking it in for a recall can be very frustrating. Even if the issue isn’t life or death, most owners don’t want to drive around knowing there’s something wrong with their car, so many will try to schedule an appointment with their local dealership as soon as possible.
How to Check and File for a Tesla Recall
It’s important to know if your Tesla is eligible for a recall, not only for your driving experience but your safety on the road.
Checking for a Tesla Recall
If you want to check whether your Tesla needs to be recalled, Tesla has adedicated search toolwith which you can use your VIN to determine if your car has been recalled. You can find your Tesla’s VIN on the vehicle’s:
Alternatively, you’re able to find your Tesla’s VIN in your insurance documents or registration paperwork.
Filing for a Tesla Recall
If you’ve confirmed that your Tesla model is eligible for recall, then you should be notified directly by Tesla. The specific fault will then be repaired free of charge, be it via an over-the-air update or a physical fix at a dealership or garage.
If your vehicle requires an in-person inspection, book an appointment with your local Tesla dealership so that you can take it in. You can do this within the Tesla app by selectingService > Request Service > Otherand then selectingSomething Elsefor your reason. You should then clarify that you need to take your vehicle in due to a recall and describe the nature of the recall.
Keep in mind that Teslas come with a four-year warranty, but if it’s been recalled, it’s best to get in touch with your local dealership to see if you can book a fix.
Tesla also has aGeneral Recall Reimbursement Planthat applies to owners who have “paid to have service to remedy the defect or noncompliance before a specified ending date.” Make sure you’re aware of this if you have to pay for a service due to a recall.
Tesla Recalls Range From Minor to Major and Everything Else
While some Tesla recalls are fairly minor, it’s always important to take your car in for an inspection if it becomes eligible or keep its Wi-Fi enabled if you’ve been notified of an upcoming over-the-air update. This way, you’re ensuring that you’re not driving your Tesla with dangerous flaws that could put you in danger or impact your overall experience.
