Tesla issues recall for 200,000 vehicles over camera glitch

Alex Omenye
Alex Omenye
Tesla's China-made electric vehicles continue to gain momentum in the country, as the company sold 88,869 units in March, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association. The figure represents a 35% increase from last year's sales and a 19.4% increase from February. The majority of Tesla's China-made sales in March were Model 3 and Model Y electric cars, which saw a strong surge in demand from both domestic sales and exports. In comparison, Chinese automaker BYD sold 206,089 units last month with its Dynasty and Ocean series of EVs and hybrids, up 97.5% from a year ago, according to CPCA data. Despite the impressive growth in sales, Tesla faced a challenging quarter globally due to rising competition and a bleak economic outlook. The company, however, posted record quarterly vehicle deliveries in the January to March period. Quarter-on-quarter sales growth was modest despite price cuts. In China, Tesla's retail sales are expected to show the best quarter in the first three months, according to data from China Merchants Bank International. As of March 26, Tesla's China-made EVs totalled 122,801 units, accounting for 13% in China's new energy car sales, which includes both pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars. BYD took up 41% of the new energy car segment, according to CMBI data. Despite the competition, Tesla's impressive growth in China reflects the company's increasing popularity in the world's largest EV market.

Tesla has issued a recall for approximately 200,000 vehicles in the United States due to issues with the backup camera failing to display images when the vehicle is in reverse gear.

The recall affects specific Model Y, S, and X vehicles from the 2023 model year. These models are equipped with the “Full Self-Driving” computer 4.0 and operate on software versions ranging from 2023.44.30 to 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall was initiated because of software instability that may prevent the display of the rear-view camera image when the vehicle is reversing, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Tesla has confirmed that it has not received any reports of crashes, injuries, or fatalities due to this issue. The company addressed the problem with an online software update.

Tesla plans to start notifying affected owners by letter from March 22. The company identified the issue after receiving customer complaints starting in late December and decided on a recall on January 12. As of January 22, there were 81 warranty claims that could be associated with this camera issue.

It’s important to note that despite being equipped with a “Full Self-Driving” system, Tesla vehicles cannot drive autonomously. Drivers must remain attentive and prepared to take control of the vehicle at any time.


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