Tesla is recalling 134,951 Model S electric sedans and Model X electric sport-utility vehicles with touchscreen display issues that led to the loss of several safety-related features.
The move comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month issued a letter to Tesla asking to recall 158,716 of its electric vehicles after it concluded the problems pose safety issues related to the center console screen.
The agency said the problem affected Model S sedans built between 2012 and early 2018 and Model X vehicles made from 2016 through early 2018. The recall doesn’t cover vehicles in that group that have already been repaired with a larger memory chip or an upgraded touch screen, according to NHTSA.
The affected vehicles are equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 3 computing platforms and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device.
The agency said touchscreen failures posed significant safety issues, including the loss of rearview or backup camera images, exterior turn-signal lighting, and windshield defogging and defrosting systems that “may decrease the driver’s visibility in inclement weather.”
Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
