Tesla has at least one more recall planned for this year, but not as significant as the last one. According to BBC News, the EV manufacturer has recalled 40,168 Model S and Model X cars due to a software flaw that might limit or eliminate power steering assistance when the automobile incorrectly interprets potholes and other road irregularities as the steering assist torque. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is worried that the rapid removal of assistance might cause a collision.
The bug affects both models from 2017 to 2021 and was discovered with the 2022.36 firmware upgrade. The repair, like several of Tesla’s previous recalls, involves a software patch that has already been distributed. According to Tesla, the revised code is already in over 97 per cent of impacted cars.
This is the 17th recall issued by Tesla in 2022. It’s not quite as widespread as a September recall over defective power window operation, which impacted almost 1.1 million vehicles in the United States. However, the faults have impacted around 3.4 million EVs throughout the company’s portfolio. There have been issues with seat belt chimes, overheated infotainment systems, and a Full Self Driving bug that allows cars to drive past stop signs. The business also had to modify its Boombox function due to concerns that external audio playing may overpower required low-speed noises.
The power steering flaw also comes at a bad time for Tesla. The company’s stock price has plummeted in recent weeks, as investors believe Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter has distracted the entrepreneur. As we write this, Tesla stock is trading about $190, which is lower than it was in May 2021. When you consider a turbulent third quarter, it’s evident the brand has lost some trust, even if revenues are still extremely solid.
