Tesla initiates a massive recall of more than 200,000 vehicles in the United States due to malfunctioning Autopilot computers prone to short-circuiting and losing functionality.
The topic has been extensively covered in our publications over the past month.
In December, Tesla issued a critical report highlighting issues with its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, AI4.1, which experienced a catastrophic failure due to a short circuit, prompting an urgent need for replacement of the onboard computers.
The issue was first identified in July. The problem can emerge quickly, often within a few miles of driving a newly purchased vehicle or after logging a few hundred to several thousand miles.
When a PC failure occurs, numerous car features simultaneously malfunction, including active safety options, automatic windshield wipers, high-beam assist, rearview cameras, and essential systems like GPS navigation and fuel level estimations.
Tesla’s initial plan was to replace the entire computer, but insiders suggested that a temporary software patch could be implemented to restore some features in the interim.
Following a previous report, we shed light on a concerning issue where users are left stranded without alternatives when their device becomes stuck in an auto-update loop, resulting in rapid battery depletion of approximately 5 kWh daily.
Despite the non-compliance issue, Tesla remains obligated to initiate a recall for its vehicles lacking rearview cameras, as specified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
When speaking publicly, Tesla has officially initiated a recall to address the issue. For the first time, a more comprehensive assessment reveals that up to 239,382 vehicles are affected.
The inhabitants consists of Model Year (MY) 2024-2025 Model 3, MY 2023-2025 Model Y, MY 2024-2025 Model S, and MY 2023-2025 Model X vehicles equipped with specific automobile computers running software releases prior to 2024.44.25.3 or 2024.45.25.6.
As disclosed in the recent recall notice, Tesla has identified a non-compliance issue.
On a limited number of affected vehicles, when the car is powered up, a faulty reverse image may cause a short-circuit failure on the vehicle’s PC board, ultimately resulting in the loss of rearview camera functionality, which does not meet FMVSS 111, S5.5 and S6.2 standards?
While the problem may seem minor at first glance, its implications are far-reaching, potentially crippling an entire system, unlike the isolated issue highlighted by the manufacturer, which is only concerned with the rearview camera’s compliance with safety regulations and its failure to meet them.
Tesla reportedly observed a peak incidence of PC failures on November 21, 2024. After several months of investigation, the team believes they have identified potential triggers that may be contributing factors, comprising a multifaceted combination of elements.
The combination of specific software programs and hardware configurations, accompanied by cooler temperatures, could potentially amplify reverse current, thereby shortening the lifespan of primary and/or secondary power components.
As of December 30, 2024, Tesla has acknowledged a total of 887 guarantees related to this matter.
Tesla will push the software update to its entire fleet, but will also continue to offer computer replacement for vehicles that experience shorts.
By approximately December 18, 2024, eligible vehicles automatically received a complimentary over-the-air software update, modifying the vehicle’s power-up sequence to prevent potential short-circuit failures affecting the primary or secondary power source. No additional action is required from owners of affected vehicles equipped with software releases 2024.44.25.3, 2024.45.25.6 or later, unless their vehicle has already experienced a shorts failure event or stress leading to this issue. Tesla is proactively identifying the impacted vehicles that may experience excessive stress, potentially leading to a short-circuit failure. If an affected vehicle experiences a short-circuit failure or stress prior to installing software updates released in 2024.44.25.3, 2024.45.25.6 or later, Tesla will replace the vehicle’s autopilot computer at no cost to the customer.
Prospects experiencing delays with this issue are often forced to wait for several months just to obtain a replacement PC.
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