Tesla Takes Action: Recall Issued for 2.2M Vehicles Due to Warning Lights Issue

Tesla has issued a massive recall affecting nearly all vehicles it has sold in the U.S. due to warning lights on the instrument panel being deemed too small. 

The recall, covering approximately 2.2 million vehicles, comes as a result of heightened scrutiny of the electric vehicle manufacturer by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The online software update to address warning light concerns on multiple Tesla models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck spanning from 2012 to 2024, will be included in the recall, according to documents provided by the government on Friday. 

NHTSA raised concerns that smaller font sizes on brake, park, and anti lock brake warning lights could obscure critical safety information, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Tesla has already initiated the software update process, with notifications to affected owners set to commence on March 30. While the NHTSA identified the problem during a routine safety audit in January, Tesla has reported only three warranty claims potentially linked to the issue, with no reported crashes or injuries.

Tesla’s Response to Regulatory Scrutiny

The recall follows previous pressure from NHTSA for Tesla to address safety concerns, including a recall of over 2 million vehicles in December to update software related to the Autopilot system. 

This move came after a two-year investigation into crashes involving Autopilot’s partial automation, prompting increased warnings and alerts for drivers.

Despite these efforts, safety experts argue that Tesla’s reliance on driver monitoring systems and the Autopilot feature does not fully address underlying safety concerns. 

Concerns were also raised in China, where over 1.6 million Tesla vehicles were recalled for issues with automatic assisted steering and door latch controls, further highlighting global scrutiny of Tesla’s automated driving systems.

As Tesla continues to navigate regulatory challenges and address safety issues, the latest recall underscores ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of its vehicles amid growing public and regulatory scrutiny.