In a significant move, Tesla has issued a recall affecting over 2 million vehicles in the United States, covering nearly every car it has ever sold. The recall is related to warning lights on the dashboard that the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) deems hard to read. The font size of the park, brake, and anti-lock brake controls on Tesla’s dashboards is reportedly below the required 3.2mm, potentially posing a safety risk as drivers may find it challenging to interpret the warnings accurately.
NHTSA mandates that warning indicators must meet specific size requirements and be displayed in contrasting colors to ensure visibility. Tesla’s recall includes various models such as the Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, Model Y, and the newly released 2024 Cybertruck.
While the term “recall” is used, Tesla aims to address the issue through an over-the-air software update, eliminating the need for owners to visit service centers. The update, initiated on January 23, focuses on increasing the font size of the warning indicator lights. Notably, this update also applies to Cybertrucks currently in production, marking the first software patch for these trucks.
This recall follows a voluntary recall in December, where Tesla addressed safety concerns related to its Autopilot feature. The previous recall aimed to improve the vehicle’s response when drivers ignored warnings about the self-driving features. However, some Tesla owners reported issues with the updated Autopilot, stating it is either too strict or malfunctioning. A driver complained to the NHTSA, noting, “The car is actually now more unsafe and distracting with disruptive beeping and alerts.”
