Tesla Recall Alert: Tesla Addresses Readability Concerns Over Warning Light Font Size

Feb 09, 2024 08:57 PM EST

TESLA CAR ROAD WHITE CAR VEHICLE — (Photo : PIXABAY/capitalstreet_fx06)

Following notification from the NHTSA of possible problems with the warning light text size, Tesla, the maker of electric vehicles, decided to start a voluntary recall. Some media outlets sensationalized the situation, raising questions about the appropriateness of labeling minor updates as "recalls."

Recall Alert for Tesla: Readability Concerns

As per Autoevolution, Tesla swiftly addressed the concern through the 2024.2.2.1 over-the-air update, sparking curiosity as to why the NHTSA insists on traditional paper mail notifications to owners. Tesla's Cybertruck encounters a regulatory obstacle, not due to its futuristic aesthetics or electric capabilities, but due to concerns regarding the font size of its dashboard warning lights.

This unforeseen road bump results in a Tesla recall. This recall affects over 2 million vehicles. Thus, drawing attention to the market leader in technology and its extensive selection of electric vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) imposed this recall to Tesla. This was not the first time Tesla's cars had issues needed for recall.

Tesla recently initiated a voluntary recall aimed at altering the font size of certain warning lights within its vehicle fleet. Notably, icons featuring accompanying text, such as ABS, Brake, or Park, were deemed excessively small. The NHTSA contended that such small text could potentially distract drivers. In agreement with this concern, Tesla opted for the voluntary recall.

Nevertheless, Autoevolution also stated that some news platforms sensationalized the recall. They made it appear it as a widespread safety issue affecting over two million Tesla vehicles, which is an exaggerated portrayal.

According to The Truth About Cars, the recall encompasses a range of models spanning multiple production years, namely the Model S from 2012 to 2023, Model X from 2016 to 2024, Model 3 from 2017 to 2023, Model Y from 2019 to 2024, and the 2024 Cybertruck.

Tesla's Addresses the Issue

To tackle this issue, Tesla is deploying a complimentary remote software update. The update aims to rectify the font size problem observed in the affected vehicles. Notices regarding this update will be sent out to vehicle owners by March 30, 2024.

As shared in AutoGuide, The primary issue leading to this recall is the utilization of an improper font size on the instrument panel. More precisely, the font size for warning lights such as Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) is below the necessary standard.

This could be dangerous since it could make it harder for drivers to understand important information, which would increase the chance of an accident. The reason for worry is that this defect does not adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 105 and 135, which control "Light Vehicle Brake Systems" and "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems," respectively.

Owners of the affected Tesla vehicles are encouraged to reach out to Tesla's customer service at 1-877-798-3752 for further details, referencing the recall number SB-24-00-003. They can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit the NHTSA's official website at www.nhtsa.gov.

Owners must contact either the NHTSA's number or website, and also Tesla regarding this recall.