Tesla Tweaking Font Size with Software Update, Media Freaking Out
Tesla has issued a software update for approximately 2,193,869 vehicles across its Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck ranges due to a noncompliance issue identified in a Part 573 Safety Recall Report, numbered 24V-051 with the NHTSA.
The notice, submitted on January 30, 2024, addresses a software-related issue where the letter font size of the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) visual warning indicators is smaller than the 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) minimum required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) Nos. 105 and 135. Yes, a tiny font change.
The vehicles affected include all delivered units from the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and all 2024 Cybertruck vehicles operating specific software releases up to 2023.44.30.9 for the former models and up to 2023.44.9.1 for the Cybertruck.
These images were first shared by @greentheonly. We’ve compiled them below to make it easier to see the old icons versus the new ones. Spot the minute differences:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Tesla to the compliance failure during a routine audit involving a 2023 Model Y, leading to Tesla’s voluntary “recall” decision on January 24, 2024. Up to that date, Tesla had identified three warranty claims potentially related to this issue but reported no crashes, injuries, or deaths.
Tesla’s remedy involves an over-the-air (OTA) software update that corrects the font size of the visual warning indicators, ensuring compliance with the FMVSS requirements. This update began rolling out in late January 2024 with software release 2023.44.30.13, with further updates scheduled for early February 2024. The remedy software differs from the recalled component by meeting the FMVSS Nos. 105 and 135 standards for visual warning indicator font size.
The recall condition was corrected in production as of January 23, 2024, for Model S, X, 3, and Y vehicles, and as of January 24, 2024, for Cybertruck vehicles, with the introduction of the compliant software releases. Tesla plans to notify all affected vehicle owners by March 30, 2024, following dealer and service center notifications that began on January 31, 2024.
Tesla has already fixed the issue with its 2024.2.2 software update that has been rolling out. Check out the video below and tell me if you can notice a difference in font sizes. It’s a very small change that traditional media headlines today are completely freaking out about:
The indicator icons have been updated on 2024.2.2 on my Tesla Model Y. I got this update a few days ago. Notice BRAKE and others spelled out now pic.twitter.com/YdSDnUKtFZ
— Carlos (@AllElectricTech) February 2, 2024