Tesla is recalling a small amount of Model Y vehicles
Tesla
Following a diligent observation by a service technician, Tesla has proactively initiated a voluntary recall on a fraction of its Model Y vehicles. The issue pertains to a potentially improperly torqued steering wheel fastener, which could lead to the steering wheel disconnecting from the column. The recall was issued after an Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Model Ys affected by the recall were produced between June 2023 and May 2023. According to Tesla’s estimation, only about 10% of the recalled vehicles, approximately 14 units, could potentially be affected by the fastener issue. No instances of complete steering wheel detachment have been reported as of yet, and this preemptive measure by Tesla further reaffirms the company's commitment to customer safety and product integrity.
The Scope and Impact of the Recall
Tesla's actions demonstrate a level of transparency and caution that underlines the company's commitment to customer safety. The identified issue came to light when a technician observed a loose feel in the steering wheel on May 4, 2023. A subsequent analysis of service and production records led to the decision to issue the recall.
Despite the small number of potentially affected vehicles, Tesla has taken it upon itself to rectify the issue. The problem is distinct from the one that resulted in the ODI investigation earlier this year, which concerned vehicles delivered without the fastener that attaches the steering wheel to the steering column. In this instance, the fastener is present but might not have been torqued to the correct specification.
Ensuring Safety and Quality: Tesla’s Resolution Plan
As part of the recall process, Tesla Service will thoroughly inspect the fastener securing the steering wheel to the column in the affected vehicles. If any fasteners are found improperly torqued, they will be replaced and torqued to the correct specification. This move will ensure that the steering control is not compromised, reducing the risk of any potential collisions.
Tesla's proactive and transparent approach also includes steps to avoid future occurrences. These measures include updating the production tool used to torque the fastener, both programmatically and physically, to prevent incorrect torque actions. Production associates have also been retrained to ensure the correct assembly process is adhered to, further underlining Tesla's commitment to quality and safety.
Owners of the Model Y vehicles involved in the recall will receive official notifications in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 577.7. Tesla anticipates sending out these letters by July 28, 2023, ensuring customers are informed and assured that their safety is Tesla's top priority.
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Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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