September 28, 2022 | By William Mattar, P.C.
Tesla Recalls More than 1 Million Vehicles Over a Fault with Its Automatic Windows
Tesla is recalling more than 1 million vehicles in the United States because of a problem with their automatic windows, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA reported in its Safety Recall Report that 1,096,762 vehicles manufactured by Tesla could have the problem. The defect at issue increases the risk of a “pinching injury” to a vehicle occupant when a window is closing and senses an obstruction. The recall covers specific 2017 to 2022 Model 3 sedans as well as some 2020 and 2021 Model Y SUVs. It also includes some Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from 2021 and 2022.
The issue was first detected in August, according to a NHTSA non-compliance document. When closing the window, it could exert more force than allowed before retracting. This could pose a safety risk to either the driver or passenger.
On Sept. 12, Tesla determined that the pinch-detection and -retraction performance in the test results exceeded the safety requirements and decided to issue a voluntary recall. The company reported that all vehicles in production received the update starting on Sept. 13.
As of September 16, 2022, Tesla was not aware of any reports, injuries, or deaths related to the fault with its automatic windows. NHTSA said in the filing that Tesla is expected to carry out a free firmware update for the automatic window reversal system to anyone who is dealing with the defect.
Owners of the recalled vehicles should be on the lookout for a notification letter alerting them of the issue starting on Nov. 15.
What is a Vehicle Recall?
According to the NHTSA, a recall is necessary when a motor vehicle or item of motor-vehicle equipment does not comply with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle or equipment.
NHTSA says that a safety defect exists when motor vehicle equipment, or the motor vehicle itself, poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, and “may exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture.”
Three Options for Correcting Defects
According to NHTSA, once a safety-defect determination is made, the law gives the manufacturer three options for correcting the defect:
- Repair the vehicle at no charge
- Replace the vehicle with an identical or similar vehicle
- Refund the purchase price in full, minus a reasonable allowance for depreciation
In the case of equipment, the manufacturer may either repair or replace the faulty equipment at no charge or refund the purchase price.
To find the latest information on any open safety recalls that apply to a Tesla vehicle, you can search by VIN number here. To find the VIN, look on the lower left of the car's windshield. It is also located on the car's registration card.
Hurt in a Recalled Car? Call William Mattar
If you were injured in a car crash stemming from a defect in a recalled vehicle, we may be able to help. The experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. can review your case and help determine your options moving forward. You can contact us 24/7 by submitting a contact form online, or by calling (844) 444 - 4444.