Tesla Launches Voluntary Recall of Select Model Y Units Over Steering Concerns

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.

Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

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For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series. 

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.

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Tesla’s Optimus Robot Learns to Walk Without Vision [VIDEO]

Optimus Falls - but catches itself!

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Tesla recently showed off a demo of Optimus, its humanoid robot, walking around in moderately challenging terrain—not on a flat surface but on dirt and slopes. These things can be difficult for a humanoid robot, especially during the training cycle.

Daily walks help clear your mind pic.twitter.com/dUsW58trS6

— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) December 9, 2024

A Look Behind the Curtain

Most interestingly, Milan Kovac, VP of Engineering for Optimus, clarified what it takes to get Optimus to this stage. Let’s break down what he said.

Optimus is Blind

Optimus is getting seriously good at walking now - it can keep its balance over uneven ground - even while walking blind. Tesla is currently using just the sensors, all powered by a neural net running on the embedded computer. 

Essentially, Tesla is building Optimus from the ground up, relying on as much additional data as possible while it trains vision. This is similar to how they train FSD on vehicles, using LiDAR rigs to validate the vision system’s accuracy. While Optimus doesn’t have LiDAR, it relies on all those other sensors on board, many of which will likely become simplified as vision takes over as the primary sensor.

Today, Optimus is walking blind, but it’s able to react almost instantly to changes in the terrain underneath it, even if it falls or slips. 

What’s Next?

Next up, Tesla AI will be adding vision to Optimus - helping complete the neural net. Remember, Optimus runs on the same overall AI stack as FSD - in fact, Optimus uses an FSD computer and an offshoot of the FSD stack for vision-based tasks.

Milan mentions they’re planning on adding vision to help the robot plan ahead and improve its walking gait. While the zombie shuffle is iconic and a little bit amusing, getting humanoid robots to walk like humans is actually difficult.

There’s plenty more, too - including better responsiveness to velocity and direction commands and learning to fall and stand back up. Falling while protecting yourself to minimize damage is something natural to humans - but not exactly natural to something like a robot. Training it to do so is essential in keeping the robot, the environment around it, and the people it is interacting with safe.

We’re excited to see what’s coming with Optimus next because it is already getting started in some fashion in Tesla’s factories.

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