The Fed on Wednesday, told Tesla to recall older Model S and X vehicles due to touchscreen failures. This would mark the 10th recall by carmakers due to backup camera or screen problems.
Tesla admitted that all of its older Model S and X units will inevitably fail “due to the memory device’s finite storage capacity,” according to Reuters. The problem is the MCU, media control unit has a limited write cycle and stops working properly over time, possibly after 5 or 6 years, said NHTSA.
As a result, screens will sometimes go blank, users told CNBC.
NHTSA considers the screen a safety issue as it contains the backup camera imaging. Drivers also are unable to use windshield defogging and defrosting systems. They may also lose turn signal and Autopilot audible chimes and other alerts.
Companies that have issued recalls due to screen and/or backup camera problems in the past include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, Honda, Dodge, Subaru, Range Rover, Bentley, and Maserati.
Tesla has tried to fix the problem with over-the-air updates but was unable to do so, Reuters said.
It is rare for NHTSA to tell a car company to issue a recall as most do it voluntarily. The recall involves 158,000 2012 through 2018 Model S and X vehicles. The NHTSA notice follows a safety probe it carried out with Tesla in November. Tesla has until January 27 to respond.
In November, NHTSA reviewed 12,523 complaints about the MCU issue.
