By The Nexus Gazette.
03/08/2024.
In a significant development, Tesla has announced a recall of tens of thousands of its vehicles in Australia due to a critical manufacturing defect that poses a serious safety risk. The defect, which affects the bonnet (hood) latch assembly, could lead to dangerous situations on the road.
The recall specifically targets Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles manufactured between 2020 and 2024. The issue lies in the bonnet latch assembly, which may fail to detect when the bonnet is opened by the driver. This malfunction means that the system does not trigger an “open bonnet” warning on the vehicle’s dashboard. As a result, if a driver continues to operate the vehicle with an unlatched bonnet, it could suddenly fly open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view and increasing the likelihood of a serious accident.
Approximately 35,000 Tesla vehicles in Australia are affected by this defect. The company has committed to addressing the issue promptly and safely. Tesla will directly contact all affected owners to inform them of the recall and the necessary steps to take.
To rectify the problem, Tesla will deploy an over-the-air (OTA) software update to all impacted cars. This update is designed to correct the bonnet latch detection issue, ensuring that the warning system functions correctly. Vehicle owners can verify whether their cars are affected by checking the software version through the touchscreen controls. If their Tesla is running version 2024.20.3 or later, they are not impacted by this recall.
This recall underscores the importance of rigorous quality control in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). Tesla has emphasized that the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians is paramount. The company encourages all affected owners to update their vehicles promptly and to contact Tesla’s customer service for any concerns or questions.
As the automotive industry increasingly moves towards EVs, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability becomes ever more crucial. Tesla’s proactive approach in addressing this defect reflects its commitment to maintaining trust and safety standards among its customers.
Resources:
2.https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55662657
3.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-recalls-safety-defects-model-3-model-s/