Tesla is recalling 135,000 sedans and sport utility vehicles after learning of touch-screen failures and following increased pressure from federal regulators.
The recall, the largest in the company’s history, will impact just under 135,000 2012–18 Tesla Model S and 2016–18 Model X vehicles. The touch-screen issues resulted in the loss of several safety-related features that could result in a crash.
While technically a voluntary recall, Tesla certainly had its arm twisted before taking the action. One month ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urged the company to issue the recall, going so far as to take the unusual step of issuing a formal letter to the automaker.
And while the overall number of vehicles recalled is modest compared with that of some other automakers, this still represents the largest recall in Tesla’s history to date.
Problems with the touch screens’ Nvidia processors could cause the loss of the vehicles’ rearview camera display, defrost and defog controls, and exterior turn signaling, according to the NHTSA.
Tesla will notify owners and begin replacing the faulty part starting March 30. Anyone wishing to have the issue taken care of before then is encouraged to contact Tesla customer service and reference recall number SB-21-21-001.
Tesla is hardly the only company to face recalls so far in 2021. Ford is recalling some SUVs owing to problems with the rear axle and a handful of Police Interceptor and Lincoln vehicles because of contaminated windshield washer fluid.