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Google PlayTesla has recalled nearly half a million of its vehicles after safety regulators expressed concern over possible defects that could increase the changes of road accidents.
According to Reuters, the recall applies to Model 3 cars made between 2017-2020, as well as Model S cars made in 2014 and after. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states the Model 3 recall stems from reported issues with the rearview camera harness, which “may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid,” and thus preventing the camera image from properly displaying.
As for the Model S, the NHTSA points to problems with the sedan’s front hood caused by faulty trunk latches. The agency writes the latch issues could cause the hood to open unexpectedly, and obstruct the driver’s view while traveling on the road.
“On some Model S vehicles, the latch assembly may be aligned too far rearward,” the NHTSA wrote in its filing. “While this alignment does not impact latching of the primary latch with the frunk striker, it may prevent latching of the secondary latch.”
About 356,000 of the Model 3 and 119,000 of the Model S will be affected, bringing the total of recalled Tesla vehicles to around 475,000. According to Reuters, that figure is nearly equal to the number of global deliveries Tesla reported in 2020.
Elon Musk’s automaker reportedly told the NHTSA it wasn’t aware of any car accidents, injuries, or deaths that were connected to the aforementioned defects. The company will reportedly fix the issues free of charge.
News of the recall came shortly after Tesla agreed to disable “Passenger Play,” a feature that allows people to play video games on the cars’ built-in touch screens. Regulators called on Tesla to lock access to the feature because it could distract the driver while the vehicle is moving.
“Following the opening of a preliminary evaluation of Tesla’s ‘Passenger Play,’ Tesla informed the agency that it is changing the functionality of this feature,” the NHTSA said in a statement. “In a new software update, ‘Passenger Play’ will now be locked and unusable when the vehicle is in motion.”
