Tesla is set to recall over 1.6 million electric vehicles in China, as announced by the country’s market regulator on Friday. The recall is prompted by the discovery of software issues affecting assisted driving functions and door-locking systems, posing potential safety risks while driving. The recall process will involve remote ‘over-the-air’ (OTA) updates to the cars’ software.
China plays a crucial role in Tesla’s global strategy, serving as both a substantial consumer market and the location of a major manufacturing plant in Shanghai. The recall, affecting various Tesla models, includes 1,610,105 imported Model S, Model X, and Model 3, along with domestic Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles with production dates between August 26, 2014, and December 20, 2023.
According to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the recall is essential due to concerns related to the automatic assisted steering function. When this function is activated, there is a risk of driver misuse of the level two combined assisted driving function, potentially increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions and posing safety hazards.
The SAMR’s online statement highlighted the need for corrective action to address these safety concerns, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the misuse of assisted driving features. The recall extends to 7,538 imported Tesla models produced between October 26, 2022, and November 16, 2023, which were identified to have issues related to the door unlock logic controls.
