Tesla Issues Fourth Recall in Two Months, This Time Affecting 40,000 Vehicles

From Sept. to Nov. 2022, Tesla has filed four recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), affecting a total of 1,161,047 vehicles across all four Tesla models (X, Y, S, 3).

The issues run the gamut: automatic windows, rear view mirrors, seatbelt fasteners, and, most recently, power steering. Nov. 1 saw the most significant issue of late, leading Tesla to recall 40,168 vehicles after a software update was found to cause a loss of power steering assist on rough roads (i.e. bumps, potholes).

“Reduced or lost power steering assist may require greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash,” says the NHTSA. The issue affects Model S and Model X vehicles made between 2017-2021.

Steering wheel on the Tesla Model S.
(Credit: Tesla)

Tesla notified dealers of the issue on Nov. 3, and plans to notify owners on Dec. 31, although the automaker says the issue is already fixed in 97% of affected vehicles after a recent software update.

“No further action is necessary from owners whose vehicles are equipped with firmware release 2022.36.5 or a later firmware release,” says the NHTSA. There are no known injuries or deaths due to the steering issue.

Separately, on the same date (Nov. 1), Tesla also recalled 53 vehicles. In this instance, an assembly mishap accidentally led to the installation of foreign-built rearview mirrors that do not say, “Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear,” which is required in the US. Software updates can’t solve this one, though Tesla will replace the mirrors free of charge.

Tesla’s recalls vary between hardware and software issues. A recall in Sept. that affected over a million vehicles was also due to a software update, and was similarly fixed by an OTA update.

Tesla has issued 17 recall campaigns in 2022 covering 3.4 million vehicles, Reuters reports(Opens in a new window). While this may seem like a lot, it’s not uncommon across automakers and not exclusive to EVs.

During the same period—Sept. to Nov. 2022—Ford issued seven recalls, though affecting fewer vehicles than Tesla, according to the NHTSA. Rivian and Hummer also recently recalled vehicles.

Recent Tesla Recalls

• Nov. 1 (22E-092(Opens in a new window)): 40,168 vehicles, 1% affected, recent software update can cause a loss of power steering assist on rough roads (i.e. bumps, potholes)

• Nov. 1 (22V-818(Opens in a new window)): 53 vehicles, 100% affected, installation of foreign-built rearview mirrors that do not say “Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear”

• Oct. 21 (22V-798(Opens in a new window)): 24,064, 1% affected, seat belt anchor not fastened to specifications

• Sept. 19 (22V-702(Opens in a new window)): 1,096,762, 100% affected, automatic windows exert more force than permitted before retracting