Tesla has recently determined that certain Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles do not comply with the requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standard for occupant crash protection. As it happens, the seatbelt audible chime and warning light may not activate as intended in the event of an unbelted driver.
As with most recalls involving Tesla vehicles, the remedy comes in the form of an over-the-air software update. However, by law, Tesla is required to inform affected customers about said recall via first-class mail. Notification letters will be mailed no later than July 27.
As for the reason why the audible and visual seatbelt reminder signals don't activate as intended, the electric vehicle manufacturer says that an open trace in the driver seat occupancy switch is to blame. FMVSS 208 S7.3 requires the signals to activate for not less than when the ignition is moved to either the on or start position and the driver's seatbelt is not fastened.
Tesla identified this issue on April 18 as part of a compliance audit involving a Model X. The subsequent investigation determined that 104 warranty claims had been filed with the company for said noncompliance. In Model S and Model X production, the problem was remedied on April 29 with the introduction of a test for verifying the functionality of the driver seat occupancy switch. As for the smaller Model 3 and Model Y, that would be November 15, 2023.
The affected population comprises 125,227 electric vehicles produced for the 2012 through 2024 model years from October 16, 2012 through April 29, 2024. The supplier of the driver seatbelt reminder sensor is I.G. Bauerhin GmbH of Germany, whereas seatbelt reminder software logic was developed by Tesla.
Photo: Tesla
During the first quarter of 2024, the company produced 433,371 vehicles and delivered 386,810 vehicles worldwide as opposed to 440,808 and 422,875, respectively, in the first quarter of 2023. The manufacturer explains the decline in deliveries with the early phase of the production ramp of the refreshed Model 3 in Fremont. Factory shutdowns caused by shipping diversions also need to be mentioned. Lest we forget the Red Sea conflict and the arson attack at Giga Berlin.
Other than the fleet-oriented Tesla Semi battery electric semi-trailer truck, the manufacturer offers five distinct passenger vehicles, beginning with the Model Y. The world's best-selling electric vehicle is expected to follow in the footsteps of the Model 3 Highland with the Juniper update. Initially rumored to drop by the end of 2024, the Model Y Juniper was allegedly postponed to early 2025.
Prices start at $44,990 for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, $47,990 for the dual-motor version, and $51,490 for the Performance. The sleeker Model 3 sedan is listed at $38,990 for the Rear-Wheel Drive, but the one to have is the $47,740 Long Range All-Wheel Drive due to its 341-mile (549 kilometers) range.
The Model S, however, is Tesla's longest-range production vehicle as of May 2024. It promises up to 359 miles (578 kilometers), while the Model X tops 326 miles (525 kilometers).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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