Tesla has recalled nearly 2.2 million cars over an issue with the font size on their instrument panels.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recalled vehicles have “an incorrect font size displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
The too-small font size puts drivers at risk as it could make important safety information too difficult to read and thus can increase the risk of crash, NHTSA added.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The recall impacts nearly all Tesla cars sold in the U.S., according to Fortune.
The vehicles affected are:
- Cybertruck 2024
- 2017-2023 Model 3
- 2012-2023 Model S
- 2016-2024 Model X
- 2019-2024 Model Y
This marks the second Tesla recall in a week. On January 23, the electric car company recalled 200,000 vehicles over an issue with the rearview camera on certain models.
That January 23 recall affects Model S, X and Y vehicles in the 2023 model year that are equipped with a full self-driving computer 4.0 and running certain software release versions, according to the NHTSA. The software versions are 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100.
“Instability of these software versions may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying,” the NHTSA said. A rearview image that does not display as the driver is backing up decreases the driver's visibility and raises the risk of a crash, it added.
Software update fixes
For both issues, Tesla says it released over-the-air software updates to fix the issues at no cost to customers. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on March 22 for the camera issue and March 30 for the incorrect font size problem.
If you have questions about the recall, you can contact Tesla’s customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Tesla’s number for the camera recall is SB-24-00-002. Its number for the font size recall is SB-24-00-003.
How to check for recalls
Last December, Tesla recalled more than 2 million vehicles over issues with its Basic Autopilot package. This recall affected vehicles in the 2012 and 2023 model years that are equipped with the company's Autosteer feature. An over-the-air software update to fix the problem was scheduled to be sent to affected vehicles on or shortly after December 12, 2023, with any remaining affected vehicles set to receive a software update at a later date, the NHTSA said.
Vehicle recalls are common. Manufacturers regularly monitor car safety and function issues to alert drivers of necessary repairs.
You can check for manufacturer recalls of any automotive make and model at the NHTSA website.
You can search for Tesla vehicles specifically in the Recall section of its website.
For both websites, you'll need to enter your vehicle identification number to perform a search.
To make your car last longer, experts advise that you make sure it gets regular maintenance service.
When you need to take your car to the shop for repairs, doing some research ahead of time on websites such as YourMechanic and RepairPal could help you determine if the repair estimate matches the diagnosed problem.
Related Content
-
US-China Trade Hopes Send Stocks to New Highs: Stock Market TodayApple and Microsoft are on track to join Nvidia in the $4 trillion market cap club.
-
A Lesson From the School of Rock About the MarketsIt's hard to hold your nerve during a downturn, but next time the markets take a tumble, remember this quick rock 'n' roll tutorial and aim to stay invested.
-
How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart ChoiceExplore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans — costs, perks, flexibility and when going prepaid makes sense.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Biopharmaceutical Senior Manager, 45, MassachusettsEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
What Is the 1% Deductible Rule in Home Insurance?You could be overpaying for home insurance if your deductible is too low. But going too high can be just as risky. That's where the 1% deductible rule comes in.
-
The Delayed September CPI Report is Out. Here's What it Signals for the Fed.The September CPI report showed that inflation remains tame – and all but confirms another rate cut from the Fed.
-
Starbucks Just Announced Red Cup Day and It's Sooner Than You ThinkThe coffee chain's annual holiday cup giveaway returns — with a twist — as the holiday beverage lineup launches early and staff investments ramp up.
-
Avoid These Four Mistakes in the Run Up to RetirementYou can learn a thing or two from the retirees who went before you.
-
Where to Deposit Your Social Security CheckIf you receive Social Security checks, where you deposit them matters because it can help grow your earnings. See the best options.
