Tesla has issued a safety recall for certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles, according to a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall numbered 23V-489, was submitted on July 14, 2023, and affects an estimated 1,337 vehicles, with around 80% suspected to have the defect.
The vehicles in question were produced between January and July 2023. The defect involves the pitch angle of the forward-facing cameras, which may not be aligned to specification. This misalignment could render certain active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assist, unavailable without alerting the driver.
The unavailability of these safety features could potentially increase the risk of a collision, as drivers may unknowingly rely on these non-functional features. The components involved are the forward bi-camera assemblies for the Model S/X and Model Y, with the part number 1738125-00-C.
Tesla’s investigation into the issue began on May 23, 2023, following an increase in customer vehicles with forward-facing cameras whose pitch angle was out of specification. The investigation concluded on July 7, 2023, with Tesla confirming the suspected root cause, risk assessment, and affected vehicle population. A voluntary recall determination was made on the same day.
As of July 14, 2023, Tesla has identified 83 warranty claims and 2 field reports potentially related to this condition. However, the company is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths that may be related to this condition.
To address the issue, Tesla Service will inspect the pitch angle of the forward-facing cameras on affected vehicles and adjust the angle to specification, at no cost to the customer. Tesla has also reduced the factory specification range for the pitch angle of the forward-facing cameras and implemented a pre-delivery inspection requirement to verify the pitch angle.
This is one recall where a software update won’t be able to fix it, but it’s good that Tesla has identified the issue and is being proactive about this problem. Not having driving assist features for safety working properly is definitely something to worry about.
Last week, Tesla also initiated a safety recall for Model S and Model X over a seat belt issue.
Tesla plans to notify all Tesla stores and service centers about this recall on or shortly after July 17, 2023. Owner notification letters will be mailed in accordance with NHTSA rules, with the planned owner notification date set for September 12, 2023.
