Tesla has kicked off 2025 with a significant recall affecting 239,382 vehicles across its lineup due to a fault with the rearview camera. While most of the impacted vehicles can be repaired via an over-the-air (OTA) software update, a subset will require more extensive repairs at Tesla service centers.
Models and Production Years Affected
The recall spans several models and production years, including:
- 2024-2025 Tesla Model 3: Built between January 15, 2024, and December 12, 2024.
- 2024-2025 Tesla Model S: Manufactured from April 24, 2024, to November 27, 2024.
- 2023-2025 Tesla Model X: Produced between January 25, 2023, and December 2, 2024.
- 2023-2025 Tesla Model Y: Assembled from May 23, 2023, to December 16, 2023.
The Issue: Rearview Camera Failure
Tesla identified that a reverse current during vehicle power-up could cause a shorting failure on the car computer board. This failure could render the rearview camera inoperable, compromising visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
Detection and Response
Tesla first noticed an uptick in car computer replacements starting November 21, 2024, and traced the issue to outdated computer firmware. By December 30, 2024, Tesla had documented 887 warranty claims and 68 field reports related to this problem.
The company has already begun rolling out an OTA software update to modify the vehicle power-up sequence and prevent the shorting failure condition. Vehicles already affected by the issue or showing signs of stress on the computer hardware will need physical repairs, including replacement of the car computer.
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Tesla’s Continued Reliance on OTA Fixes
This recall is the first of 2025 but follows a broader trend for Tesla: resolving the majority of recall issues through OTA updates. In 2024, Tesla issued 16 recalls in the US, impacting 5,137,968 vehicles. Impressively, 99.2% of those vehicles were repaired remotely without requiring a service visit.
A Growing Reputation for Proactive Fixes
While Tesla’s heavy reliance on OTA technology allows for swift resolution of software-related issues, the company’s frequent recalls highlight ongoing quality concerns. For affected owners, the convenience of OTA updates often offsets the frustration of recalls, but hardware issues like this one underscore the importance of addressing deeper systemic problems.
Tesla’s ability to balance innovation with quality assurance will be critical as it continues to expand its market share and launch new models in 2025.
