Tesla recalls more than 54,000 Model X vehicles over brake fluid detection bug

[DragonSlayer101]

What just happened? Tesla has recalled 54,676 Model X vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023 over a faulty controller that could fail to detect the level of brake fluid in the car and not display a warning light. Driving a car with low brake fluid could hamper braking performance, thereby posing a safety risk to the occupants, as well as other road users.

In a support article confirming the recall, Tesla said that it has already issued a free over-the-air (OTA) software update (version 2023.32.7) to fix the issue. The updated software "corrects the vehicle controller's set threshold range at low brake fluid levels" and ensures compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 135, Section 5.5.4.

The fix started rolling out on September 28, 2023, and is now available to all affected vehicles not using Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta. For vehicles with FSD Beta, the fix will be rolled out with the next scheduled software release. Model X owners can check if their vehicle is affected by the recall by using either Tesla's own VIN Recall search or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) VIN Recall search tools.

The affected Model X vehicles were in violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, as low brake fluid levels could alter brake pedal feel or negatively impact braking performance, thereby increasing the risk of collision. However, Tesla says that at this point, it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths because of this bug.

Like most other Tesla recalls, the defect will be fully fixed with the software update, and owners do not need to take the vehicle to a workshop to address the issue. New vehicles will come with the fix preinstalled, meaning buyers won't have to worry about updating their cars to the latest software to ensure that they're not affected by the bug.

There's a lot of talk about whether these software fixes should be called 'recalls' or whether the NHTSA should find an alternative term for them. According to many Tesla enthusiasts, recall is a legacy term used to describe the process of physically hauling a vehicle back to the manufacturer or a workshop to fix a hardware problem, while most of Tesla's issues are easily solved with software updates. Either way, it's good that this particular problem was identified and fixed before any serious mishap despite some of the affected vehicles being on the road for two years.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/100533-tesla-recalls-more-than-54000-model-x-vehicles.html

 

[m4a4]

There's a lot of talk about whether these software fixes should be called 'recalls' or whether the NHTSA should find an alternative term for them. According to many Tesla enthusiasts, recall is a legacy term used to describe the process of physically hauling a vehicle back to the manufacturer or a workshop to fix a hardware problem, while most of Tesla's issues are easily solved with software updates. Either way, it's good that this particular problem was identified and fixed before any serious mishap despite some of the affected vehicles being on the road for two years.

Was just thinking this. You'd think after years of EV popularity, the NHTSA would've tried updating their rules and regulations by now.
But, I also can't say I'm surprised it's going so slow....

 

[Plutoisaplanet]

From a Tesla investor perspective, it really makes sense to rename software recalls because it costs the company a fraction to complete it compared to traditional automakers. From a Tesla owner perspective, it means they just have to tap a button on their phone or vehicle to complete the software fix and these are convenient to address.

But either way it's still a flaw with the vehicle that needs to be fixed, and the risk should be assessed. In this case the risk appears to be minor since there's been no situations where there was a collision. When there is a recall for an issue with a significant amount of risk or the vehicle physically needs to be brought in, then it'll be news in my mind. These are still interesting to read about sometimes.

The biggest one Tesla has had is probably this one and it was significantly annoying to owners (including me): https://www.techspot.com/news/88495...-vehicles-over-touchscreen-display-crash.html

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Tesla bros can call it "legacy" all you want. You are driving multi ton steel missiles at high speed on public roadways. If there is a safety issue that must be addressed, its a RECALL.

 

[m4a4]

Tesla bros can call it "legacy" all you want. You are driving multi ton steel missiles at high speed on public roadways. If there is a safety issue that must be addressed, its a RECALL.

Do you understand the word "recall"? Or are you just being illogical because you don't like the company?

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Do you understand the word "recall"? Or are you just being illogical because you don't like the company?

It means "this shat bad, fix it immediately". You are driving multi ton steel missiles at high speed on public roadways. If there is a safety issue that must be addressed, its a RECALL. It doesnt matter if the issue can be fixed remotely, it should still be CALLED a recall so people know its a major safety issue that needs addressed instead of skipping it because "well updates take awhile".

Do you understand the argument or are you being ignorant because you want to try to get one up on me?

 

[m4a4]

It means "this shat bad, fix it immediately". You are driving multi ton steel missiles at high speed on public roadways. If there is a safety issue that must be addressed, its a RECALL. It doesnt matter if the issue can be fixed remotely, it should still be CALLED a recall so people know its a major safety issue that needs addressed instead of skipping it because "well updates take awhile".

Do you understand the argument or are you being ignorant because you want to try to get one up on me?

No. A recall implies you bring it back to where you got it.

re·call

1. bring (a fact, event, or situation) back into one's mind; remember.
2. officially order (someone) to return to a place.

And why would you need to bring it anywhere in particular when only a software update is needed? It's (obviously) not a hardware recall.

Seriously, use a little bit of logic and answer me honestly this time. No childish nonsense, nobody cares if you don't like Musk or Tesla. Objectively, the term "recall" doesn't make sense in this situation. Period.

 

[lripplinger]

So cars "detect" how much brake fluid you have? Does nobody know how to do the basics on their cars anymore, including fluid checks?

 

[nulll]

So cars "detect" how much brake fluid you have? Does nobody know how to do the basics on their cars anymore, including fluid checks?

My good man I'll have you know it's far worse than that, a sizable section of the youth today are oblivious to very fact that there is fluid of any kind that could be checked! (My semi retirement gig these days is with a massive automotive parts supplier, I dearly wish I were joking on this point but at the same time it's a nearly endless source of amusement for a building full of salty mostly retired car guys and gals)