Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct a misspelled name.
(WJET/WFXP) — Tesla is recalling more than 1.8 million vehicles over a possible software issue that could cause the hood latch assembly to fail to detect whether the hood is unlatched.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released on Monday, the affected vehicles include some 2021-2024 Model S, Model 3, Model X and 2020-2024 Model Y Tesla vehicles.
An unlatched hood can fully open while the vehicle is moving and potentially obstruct the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla has released a free software update to fix the error. Owner notifications are expected to be mailed on Sept. 22.
Tesla began investigating customer complaints about the issue on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China on March 25. By mid-April, the automaker had identified the condition impacting vehicles in China as a latch switch deformation.
Tesla has continued to look at the issue and found that the rates of occurrence were higher in China than in Europe and North America, but the reason for that disparity is unknown.
Tesla said that as of July 20 it has identified three warranty claims or field reports for U.S. vehicles that are related to or may be related to the hood issue, though the company is unaware of any crashes, injuries or deaths related to the issue.
Owners may contact Tesla customer service at (877) 798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-21-00-012. To find out if your vehicle is part of this recall, visit the NHTSA website.
Last month, Tesla recalled its futuristic new Cybertruck pickup for the fourth time in the U.S. since it went on sale Nov. 30 to fix problems with trim pieces that can come loose and front windshield wipers that can fail.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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