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

Tesla is recalling a small amount of Model Y vehicles

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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.

A Closer Look at Tesla's Ambient Lighting Feature in the New Model 3 and Cybertruck [Video]

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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If you look up ambient lights for Tesla, you'll see several ads for third-party light kits. Perhaps this is why Tesla added its own Ambient Lights feature to the new Model 3. So, let's get enlightened.

Tesla's ambient lights are thin light strips that are embedded in each of the vehicle's doors near the top edge. It also curves around the dashboard near the windshield, giving passengers a near 360-degree light effect.

Supported Models

Tesla new ambient light feature is available on the new Model 3 (2024+), and will be available on the Cybertruck in a similar manner. With a refresh ongoing for the Model Y, known as Juniper, it will likely also have ambient lights. That just leaves out the most luxurious flagship vehicles, the Model S and X, for now.

The Model S and Model X could be due for a minor refresh that would not only add ambient lighting, but also include a front-bumper camera that the Cybertruck has and the new Model 3 is expected to have in the near future.

Customization

Tesla introduced a wrap-around ambient lighting strip to its new Model 3

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The ambient light settings allow you to light up the interior in a color that reflects your mood or preference. Under Controls > Lights > Accent Lights, you are handed the freedom to choose virtually any color to adorn the interior of your Tesla.

You have control over whether the ambient lights are on, off, or set to an "Auto" setting, though not fully clarified, seems to promise intelligent lighting adjustments akin to our control over dome lights, offering a reduction in reflections during drives.

While the ability to control the brightness level seems missing, Tesla did include color presets, letting you curate a series of your favorite colors.

It should be noted that the changes are confined to the light strips on the doors and dash, steering clear of the footwell lights and other interior lighting.

Future Enhancements

With Tesla, we can be assured there will be enhancements to this feature in a future update. In fact, the Tesla community is already busy coming up with useful suggestions. Some owners thought Tesla should take advantage of the lighting to provide driver feedback, such as automatically changing the ambient lighting to a red hue when there's a vehicle in your blind spot. Tesla could also glow the light strip on a door if it's not closed properly, or use the lighting to provide feedback when Sentry Mode is enabled.

Other uses could be more fun, such as cycling the light through various colors when the 'Rainbow Road' easter egg is activated.

Ambient Lighting in Action

While the possibilities are endless and Tesla engineers will surely have fun coming up with creative uses for the feature, the biggest improvement we can hope for in the near future is the ability to adjust the light intensity.

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Tesla Model 3 'Highland' Performance Details Discovered in European Documents

Tesla's new Model 3 received a host of exterior and interior upgrades

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Tesla outdid itself with the refreshed Model 3, known as the Highland. Despite all the fantastic upgrades, something is missing - the Performance version or perhaps the Plaid. The letter "T" has shown up on vehicle certificates in Europe, and despite Elon Musk's sense of humor, it is unlikely this is a Mr. T reference.

Deciphering the 'T'

A new document shows the new Model 3 Performance will have a dual motor

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Diligent scrutiny of the European Type Certificate, issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW and shared on the TFF Forum, revealed a subtle yet pivotal alteration — including the letter 'T' in the eighth digit of the Model 3 Performance's VIN.

This seemingly minor detail, indicative of the vehicle's motor/drive unit type, sparked curiosity and speculation on the forum. Could it be a tri-motor setup to usher in a new Plaid version of the Model 3? This vehicle has already got endless amounts of zip, but three motors? May The Schwartz Be With You!

This could also explain the Model 3+ badging that was spotted during the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China inspection of the refresh. However, the regulatory filings highlighted just two distinct variants of the car: a rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a 194 kW motor and an all-wheel drive (AWD) dual-motor setup that combines to deliver a formidable 331 kW of maximum power.

Initial conjectures leaned towards the possibility of a tri-motor setup, drawing parallels with the Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. However, a deeper dive into the certification document clarified that the Model 3 Performance retained its Dual Motor setup, dispelling the possibility of a tri-motor upgrade.

Strategic Enhancements: A Glimpse into Potential Upgrades

Given the documented specifications, it becomes plausible that Tesla has strategically enhanced one of the dual motors, potentially aligning it with the advanced motor found in the Model S/X Plaid. This modification is poised to augment the top-end speed and acceleration of the Model 3 Performance, addressing its comparative limitations in extended races against traditional gas-powered supercars.

Meanwhile, the Model 3 refresh has become the new Bigfoot of the roads of North America, with rare sightings posted on social media. However, it appears the continent is excluded from the initial launch of the Model 3 Highland. Internal communications within Tesla suggest North American enthusiasts might have to exercise patience until 2024.

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