Tesla has improved their vehicle recall rate drastically, accounting for only 2.7% of all recalls in 2023 so far
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At Tesla's Investor Day 2023, a promise was made to enhance quality control and production standards. This year's sharp decline in recalls proves Tesla's fulfillment of that promise. Such commitment is vital, especially for an automaker that has always been in the spotlight, not just for its innovation but also for its challenges and the attention its CEO draws. A recent article by Barron's highlights that Tesla's recalls have seen a significant drop in 2023 compared to 2022.
Reduction in Recalls
While Tesla recalled 3.8 million vehicles in 2022, the figure stands at around 439,000 for 2023 so far, potentially setting the pace to hit about 550,000 by the end of the year. This suggests a marked improvement in Tesla's quality control and production standards.
The nature of Tesla recalls also distinguishes the company from others. Many of Tesla's recalls, like the recent one related to a warning light for detecting low brake fluid on Model X, are rectified through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These OTA updates are efficient, cost-effective, and less disruptive for customers.
Elon Musk has emphasized the inappropriateness of the term "recall" for OTA updates, pointing out its anachronistic nature. In February, he posted on X: The word "recall" for an over-the-air software update is anachronistic and just flat wrong! As more manufacturers integrate advanced technology, we might see a shift in understanding and categorizing recalls.
Comparison with Other Automakers
It's essential to place these figures in context. The same Barrons chart indicates that other leading automakers have had their fair share of recalls. In 2023, major U.S. automakers collectively recalled over 16 million vehicles; in 2022 this figure was almost 19 million. Hence, when compared proportionally, Tesla's recall rate was higher than average in 2022 but considerably lower than the competition in 2023.
Given the emerging nature of the electric vehicle market and Tesla's prominence as a frontrunner, its operations have enhanced scrutiny. Recalls make headlines, not merely because of potential safety concerns but also because of the changing dynamics of the automobile industry with the advent of EVs. Both consumers and investors must understand recalls within this evolving context.
Tesla's proactive approach and OTA software updates set it apart. The declining number of recalls indicates Tesla's commitment to improving quality and safety, aligning with the company's goals outlined during its Investor Day event. Seeing how terminology and perceptions around recalls adapt will be interesting as the industry evolves.
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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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