Tesla’s “Recall” Of 285,000 (Or 249,000) Vehicles In China Is Just A Simple Software Update
Reuters has reported that Tesla “recalled” 249,855 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China, and also noted that owners were not required to return their vehicles. Bloomberg noted that the number was higher than 285,000 vehicles and that the recall was over “Autopilot issues.”
What the average consumer may not realize is that this “recall” isn’t a typical recall and that it’s an issue that is easily fixed. Usually, when the average consumer thinks of auto recalls, they think that they have to return the vehicle for either their money back or a loaner until the original is repaired.
In the case of Tesla’s recent recall, this is not what’s happening. The Reuters article, which is paywalled, briefly noted that this wasn’t an actual recall — it involves an over-the-air software update. That’s it. Twitter user Ray4Tesla found the report the article cited and shared the translation on Twitter.
Here is the complete copy of the “recall” issued by China State Administration for Market Regulation. The said “issue” could potentially make it easier for drivers to inadvertently activate adaptive cruise control while driving. OTA will minimize the probability of driver error. https://t.co/bWrJZzwvKc pic.twitter.com/WrBFjXs9JO
— Ray (@ray4tesla) June 26, 2021
The document, issued by the China State Administration for Market Regulation, stated that Tesla recalled some of its imported and domestic made-in-Chine Models 3 and Y vehicles. It also said that Tesla would contact its customers through the Tesla Service Center to upgrade their vehicles at no cost to them.
The issue, the document noted, would likely cause the driver to accidentally activate the active cruise function. The document described several scenarios in which this could happen and pointed out that it could lead the driver to misjudge their control of the vehicle leading to an accident.
Ray4Tesla also noted that Tesla proactively issued the recall, rather than a regulator finding an issue and requiring it.
The “recall” is a proactive & voluntary measure put forth by Tesla CN & filed with Chinese regulator (State Administration for Market Regulation). Unlike other EV makers, this recall is purely performed via OTA. https://t.co/2KYYs7Rl6U pic.twitter.com/giHryYH8UB
— Ray (@ray4tesla) June 26, 2021
Tesla’s decision to take recall measures was to eliminate any potential safety hazards. No one has to give up their car and wait forever to have it fixed.
Autopilot Is Not At Fault Here
The Bloomberg piece alluded to the fact that Autopilot was a concern in this case. The real issue is that Tesla wanted to make sure it couldn’t easily be activated. However, many will see these headlines and without reading the article just assume the worst.
The “recall” is just another example of Tesla’s value on safety as its number one focus when designing vehicles. In the below tweet, Elon was replying to a customer who was involved in a horrible crash that probably would have killed someone had their car not have been the safest one ever tested by the NHTSA. In yet another case, we see Tesla taking safety extra seriously.
Sometimes people think it is performance, but safety is always the primary design requirement for a Tesla
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 25, 2021
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