Tesla Issues Recall for Over 1.8 Million Vehicles Due to Hood Safety Concerns
Tesla is recalling more than 1.8 million vehicles due to a potential safety issue with the hood latch assembly that could increase the risk of accidents. The recall affects 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles.
The problem arises when the hood latch fails to detect an unlatched hood after it has been opened. If the hood becomes unlatched while the vehicle is in motion, it could fully open, obstructing the driver’s view and heightening the chances of a crash. Fortunately, the company has reported no known incidents, injuries, or fatalities linked to this defect.
Tesla is conducting an ongoing investigation after receiving customer complaints about this issue, particularly with Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China, which began on March 25. By mid-April, Tesla identified the issue in China as deformation in the latch switch.
Further analysis revealed that the occurrence of this issue is notably higher in China compared to regions like Europe and North America, although the reasons for this difference remain unclear.
As of July 20, Tesla had documented three warranty claims or field reports related to the hood issue in U.S. vehicles. In response to the safety concern, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that Tesla has implemented a free software update to address the problem.
Owner notification letters are expected to be dispatched on September 22. Vehicle owners seeking additional information can contact Tesla customer service.
In related news, Tesla recently issued a recall for its Cybertruck pickup, marking the fourth recall since the vehicle’s launch in the U.S. last November, due to issues with trim pieces and windshield wiper failures.