Tesla is initiating a recall of almost 200,000 vehicles that are equipped with “Full Self-Driving” software, which may cause issues with the rearview camera display, as revealed by the NHTSA recently.
Various car manufacturers have faced similar recalls, but Tesla opted for a remote software update to rectify the problem. A certain group of Tesla models was experiencing difficulties projecting images from the rearview camera when these cars were put in reverse due to insufficient “circuit protocol stability.” This problem originated from a software update released at the end of last year on the “Full Self-Driving” computer 4.0 with versions 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 and 2023.44.100 in the 2023 Tesla Model Y, Model S, and Model X.
No vehicle, including Tesla’s, currently has complete self-driving capabilities on public roads. Even though Tesla refers to its semi-autonomous driving system as “Full Self-Driving,” the system requires a driver to take control when it encounters issues or confusion. Tesla has faced scrutiny for the way it classifies its semi-autonomous driving features. The SAE defines full autonomy or Level 5 autonomy as a system that does not require any driver intervention throughout a journey.
In a previous instance in December, Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles to enhance the visibility of its Autosteer function. This issue was also resolved through a software update, version 2023.44.30, which incidentally caused the rearview camera problem.
A software update was tested on Dec. 28 and applied to all affected vehicles on Jan. 3, 2024, successfully restoring the rearview camera display. Although 81 warranty claims were acknowledged by Tesla, no crashes or injuries linked to the recall were reported.
Several other automakers have recalled a significant number of vehicles in recent years to address issues with intermittent, failing, or non-functional rearview camera displays. For example, in September, Kia called back 145,000 Sorentos due to a similar problem.
Mazda also issued a recall in July, targeting more than 227,000 Mazda 3 hatchbacks and CX-3 small crossovers due to a wiring issue that could lead to a blank or flickering camera image caused by a loose wiring harness when driving or closing the tailgate.
At the beginning of 2022, Ford expanded a recall related to rearview cameras on the Ford Mustang to encompass over one million vehicles in total.
In these instances, car owners had to visit dealer service stations for resolution.
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