WSJ "Third time this year following April-May"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] American electric vehicle maker Tesla is once again facing a massive recall crisis.
On the 22nd (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Tesla voluntarily recalled 1.1 million vehicles sold in the U.S. due to window safety issues.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall targets include some Model 3 vehicles produced between 2017 and 2022, Model Y sport utility vehicles (SUVs) manufactured between 2020 and 2021, and some Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from 2021 to 2022.
This recall is due to a software function error in the safety power window system. This feature, which automatically reopens the window if an object is detected while closing, is installed by default in most vehicles to prevent children’s hand entrapment accidents.
NHTSA explained, “The recalled vehicles fail to meet federal vehicle safety standards related to power windows,” adding, “Tesla’s power windows close too quickly, which could cause drivers or passengers to get caught in the window.”
Tesla plans to fix the error in the recalled vehicles through an over-the-air software update. The company stated that it will notify recall recipients by mail starting November 15.
According to data submitted by Tesla to NHTSA, no injuries or fatalities related to this defect have been reported so far.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, said on Twitter that this recall is due to a “small wireless software defect” and that “no injury accidents have been reported so far due to this defect.”
Following the recall news, Tesla’s stock price plunged, falling below the $300 mark once again. Tesla’s shares, listed on the Nasdaq market, closed down 4.06% at $288.59. This is the first time Tesla’s stock has dropped below $300 since the 13th, about a week ago. Tesla’s stock price has fallen nearly 30% so far this year.
WSJ also reported that Tesla announced two previous recalls in April and May. At that time, Tesla recalled 600,000 vehicles due to pedestrian warning system sound issues and 130,000 vehicles due to central processing unit errors, respectively.
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