Tesla has issued a recall for over 125,000 vehicles due to a defect in their seat belt reminder system, potentially increasing the risk of injury to drivers. This recall adds to the company’s mounting recall numbers in 2023, contributing to the 2.5 million vehicles recalled this year alone.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), federal regulations require that vehicles have both audible and visual seat belt reminder signals to alert drivers when their seatbelt isn’t properly fastened. In affected Tesla models, these signals were being triggered at incorrect times, meaning drivers might not have been notified when their seatbelts were not securely fastened.

What is the Issue?

The problem lies in the seat belt system’s software, which is unable to properly activate the seat belt reminders for certain vehicles even when the driver’s seat belt is unfastened. The defect is linked to faulty tracking of the driver’s seat occupancy, which fails to trigger the reminder signals.

How Did Tesla Discover the Issue?

Tesla became aware of the issue on April 18, 2024, during an internal compliance audit involving the 2024 Tesla Model X. After further investigation throughout April and May, the company confirmed the problem and voluntarily issued the recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall affects several Tesla models, including:

• 2012-2024 Model S
• 2015-2024 Model X
• 2017-2023 Model 3
• 2020-2023 Model Y

These vehicles have the defective seat belt software that fails to trigger the necessary reminders.

Has This Issue Caused Accidents or Injuries?

According to Tesla and the NHTSA report, as of May 28, 2024, there have been 104 warranty claims potentially related to this issue. However, Tesla stated that it has not been made aware of any accidents, injuries, or fatalities linked to the faulty seat belt reminders.

How Will Tesla Fix the Problem?

To resolve the issue, Tesla will roll out a free over-the-air (OTA) software update in June 2024 for all affected vehicles. This software update will modify the seat belt system to trigger reminders based on the seat belt buckle status and the vehicle’s ignition status, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Tesla continues to address these issues proactively, but this recall highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the company in maintaining vehicle safety. As Tesla works to fix the seat belt system in these vehicles, owners can expect the software update to arrive soon, bringing much-needed reassurance for drivers.