Wednesday, December 25

Problems continue: Tesla recalls 700,000 vehicles

teslathe automotive giant led by Elon Muskis once again in the eye of the hurricane due to technical problems. The company recently announced the recall of approximately 700,000 vehicles of various models, including the 2024 Cybertruck, Model 3 (2017-2025) and Model Y (2020-2025).

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The problem lies in the tire pressure monitoring system, a key component for road safety.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the system warning light may not remain on between driving cycles.

This represents a significant risk, as driving on low-pressure tires can increase the likelihood of accidents due to poor handling or loss of vehicle control.

Tesla and this technical problem and its impact

The tire pressure monitoring system is a critical element for modern vehicles. Not only does it warn drivers of potential problems, it also helps extend tire life and improve fuel efficiency.

In the case of affected vehicles, the system failure prevents drivers from being effectively alerted, leaving them exposed to unnecessary risks on the road.

Although Tesla has promised a free software update to fix the problem, the magnitude of the recall raises questions about quality control in the production of its vehicles.

This incident adds to a growing list of technical problems the company has faced in recent years.

Tesla recall timeline

The current recall is not an isolated case. Throughout 2024, Tesla has issued multiple recalls ranging from design flaws in the Cybertruck to issues with warning lights and the hood on other models.

  • February 2024: Tesla recalled nearly 2.2 million vehicles in the United States because the warning lights on the instrument panel were too small to be effective.
  • July 2024: More than 1.8 million units were recalled due to a problem with the hood that could detach while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • November 2024: The Cybertruck, one of Tesla’s most anticipated models, racked up seven recalls this year, including 2,400 vehicles for defects in the steering system.

The Cybertruck: a rocky start

The launch of Cybertruckwhich had already suffered significant delays, has also been marred by technical problems. The first units were delivered in November 2023two years after the original schedule.

However, the vehicle has faced criticism for defects including structural and software issues.

Tesla offers one year of free charging when you buy a Model Y
Tesla Model Y. Credit: Tesla.
Credit: Courtesy

With seven cumulative recalls in less than a year, the Cybertruck represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Tesla. While it is a model that has captured the imagination of consumers, its history of problems could erode trust in the brand.

Consumer and market reaction

The massive recalls have begun to raise concern among Tesla customers, many of whom have expressed their frustration on social media and specialized forums.

For a brand that has positioned itself as a leader in innovation and technology, these problems represent a blow to its reputation.

On the other hand, investors have also shown signs of concern. Although Tesla remains a dominant player in the electric vehicle market, the accumulation of recalls and technical challenges raises questions about its ability to maintain consistent quality standards.

Tesla’s approach to problems

Despite criticism, Tesla has taken a proactive approach in addressing these challenges. The company has demonstrated agility in implementing solutions, such as providing free software updates to correct the current issue.

In addition, it continues to work on improving its production processes to minimize future inconveniences.

However, experts note that recurring problems indicate a need to reevaluate quality controls on the production line. “Tesla has the ability to innovate at an impressive pace, but it must balance this with a more rigorous focus on the reliability of its products”says automotive analyst Daniel Levinson.

What’s next for Tesla

Notification letters for affected owners will be sent beginning February 15, 2025. In addition to contacting Tesla customer service, consumers can turn to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline for more information.

In the meantime, the company faces the challenge of restoring the trust of its customers and ensuring that problems like this do not happen again. With competition in the electric vehicle market increasing, Tesla cannot afford any more lapses in its quality and reliability.