Electric vehicle giant Tesla is making headlines today as it initiates a massive recall, affecting nearly all of the 2.2 million cars it has sold in the United States. The reason behind this unprecedented recall is the font size used for the brake, park, and antilock brake system warning lights on the instrument panel, which has been deemed too small, potentially endangering drivers’ safety.
According to a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the diminutive font size renders these crucial warning lights difficult to read, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. More alarmingly, the font size violates federal safety standards, as pointed out by the regulatory agency.
Despite this font-related issue, a recent report dated January 30, published by the NHTSA, clarified that there have been no documented cases of crashes, injuries, or fatalities directly linked to the problematic warning light fonts. Tesla is taking swift action to address this safety concern by offering a free over-the-air software update, which will rectify the font size issue.
Additionally, starting on March 30, the automaker plans to send notification letters to owners, ensuring they are aware of the necessary steps to resolve the issue. In a separate development, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken note of an emerging issue concerning power steering in select Tesla vehicles.
On Thursday, the agency announced that it has initiated a preliminary evaluation based on reports of power steering problems in some 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. The NHTSA disclosed that it has received a total of 2,388 complaints regarding drivers losing control of their steering in these specific models.
As a precautionary measure, an engineering analysis has been initiated, a necessary step before considering a formal recall. Tesla’s recent actions paint a picture of heightened safety consciousness. In January, the company issued a recall affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to potential malfunctions in the backup camera while the car is in reverse.
This follows a significant recall in December, where Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles spanning four different models. The recall was prompted by a flaw discovered in its Autopilot system, culminating from a lengthy investigation by the NHTSA into a series of accidents, some of which were fatal, associated with the Autopilot technology.