Tesla, the well-known electric vehicle manufacturer, has issued a new recall affecting 120,000 additional cars due to issues with faulty doors. This announcement follows closely on the heels of a larger recall, where nearly 2 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. were recalled last week over problems related to the Autopilot system.
The latest defect, identified in certain Tesla models, could cause doors to open unexpectedly during a collision, presenting a significant safety hazard. According to a report from Business Insider, the affected vehicles include the Tesla Model S and Model X manufactured between 2021 and 2023.
Tesla engineers discovered that a cabin door on the opposite side of an impact could unlatch unexpectedly after a crash. This issue was uncovered during inspections earlier this month and traced back to software updates rolled out in late September 2021. These updates unintentionally omitted an important lockout feature, which would have prevented the doors from automatically opening under such conditions.
Tesla plans to notify owners of the affected vehicles by February 17, 2024. The company will resolve the issue with a free over-the-air software update to reinstate the necessary lockout functionality. Tesla has assured that there have been no reported injuries or warranty claims associated with this defect so far.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently evaluating Tesla’s proposed solution. The agency recently received the software update and is conducting tests to determine its effectiveness in addressing the problem.
While Tesla continues to push technological boundaries with its electric vehicles, this recall highlights the challenges that come with software-driven features and the importance of ensuring vehicle safety through diligent inspections and updates.