DETROIT: Tesla is recalling over 817,000 cars in the US because the seat belt reminder chimes may not sound when the vehicles get started and the driver has not strapped up.
The recall includes the 2021 and 2022 Model S sedan and Model X SUV, as well as 2017 through 2022 Model 3 sedan and 2020 through 2022 Model Y SUV, according to papers filed on Thursday by safety authorities.
Federal motor vehicle safety provisions require the seat belt chimes to sound when cars are started, and the sound discontinues when seat belts are secured.
The recall data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show the problem only arises if the driver leaves the car in the prior driving cycle while the chime was ringing.
Tesla will remedy the issue by putting out an over the air software upgrade early this month. The safety organisation says without the chime, a driver may not realise their seat belt is unbuckled, increasing the risk of damage during an accident.
The corporation states in the filings that it’s not aware of any collisions or injuries because of the glitch. It still provided a visible seat belt reminder.
South Korea’s Automobile Testing and Research Institute found the fault on Jan 6. Tesla investigated and found that it required a recall on Jan 25, the records said.
The bell still sounds if the cars move above 22 kilometres per hour (13.7 miles per hour) and the driver’s belt is not fastened.
The recall is among the biggest in the Austin, Texas, company’s history and includes all four models in its portfolio. Estimates by Motorintelligence.com suggest Tesla has sold slightly over 1 million automobiles in the US since 2013. The recall comes as the enterprise confronts growing scrutiny from NHTSA, the nation’s road safety regulator.
Earlier this week the government said that Tesla will recall roughly 54,000 vehicles and SUVs because its Full Self-Driving software allows them to roll past stop signs without coming to a full rest.
