Tesla has announced a recall for over 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles to address an issue with the cabin doors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicles built between 2021 and 2023 and operating under Software Version 2021.36 or later may have cabin doors that become unlatched during a crash, which is a violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 214, S9.2.3(b)(1).
FMVSS No. 214, S9.2.3(b)(1) specifies that doors should not disengage from the latched position in the event of a crash. While Tesla has not received any reports of injuries or warranty claims related to this issue as of December 14, 2023, they are taking proactive measures to address the problem.
The fix for this issue will be implemented through an Over-the-Air update, which began rolling out to affected vehicles on or shortly after December 12. The software update, known as Software Release 2023.44.30, will rectify the problem with the cabin doors.
Tesla’s approach to addressing safety issues through software updates has been a point of contention for some consumers. CEO Elon Musk and loyal Tesla fans have questioned the use of the term “recall” for software updates, as it traditionally implies a physical repair. However, the NHTSA defines a recall as any action taken to fix a fault in a motor vehicle, including software updates.
This debate over terminology was highlighted recently when Tesla issued a “recall” for 2 million vehicles to address shortcomings in the Autopilot system through an Over-the-Air update. Musk has expressed his belief that using the term “recall” for software updates is outdated and inaccurate.
Despite the semantics, Tesla remains committed to addressing safety issues promptly and efficiently. For any further comments, concerns, or questions about this recall or any other Tesla-related news, you can reach out to the author via email at joey@teslarati.com or on Twitter @KlenderJoey. Additionally, news tips can be sent to tips@teslarati.com for consideration.