Like other automakers, Tesla issues vehicle recalls (many involving minor software tweaks) when a
vehicle feature or hardware needs to be changed.
With the release of their latest
app update (version 4.9), Twitter user Tesla_App_iOS, noticed that Tesla added a new API that could potentially show vehicle recall information.
It didn't appear that the Tesla app was yet using this new API, but just a couple days later it can
now be seen in the Service area of the app.
The service section of the app is loaded via a webview, which is essentially a webpage that the app
loads when the user navigates to that section.
This allows Tesla to make changes to that section without requiring an app update to display new
information.
Tesla, along with other car manufacturers, maintains a database of applicable recalls based on the
VIN of each respective vehicle, so Tesla already has all the information needed in order to
display recalls for your specific vehicle.
In the App
The Tesla app can now displayed vehicle recalls
Upon navigating to the Service section, Tesla will list any recalls available for your vehicle.
Tapping an individual recall will give you additional information.
Tesla also has a Learn More button that links off to Tesla's site, where they display detailed
information about the given recall.
Notifications
Since the feature appears to just have gone live recently, it's not clear yet whether Tesla will send
a push notification to the owner when there is a new recall issued.
A notification could prompt the user to schedule service for critical recalls.
What is currently unknown is if software recalls will also be included in the app, or if it'll be
limited to recalls that require Tesla service.
Some software-based recalls, like the removal of Boombox while in drive are displayed in the
vehicle's release notes.
This is a welcome new feature to the Tesla app that makes managing recalls simple and convenient.
You can now easily look at or confirm if there are any outstanding recalls with just a few taps.
The feature is available on iOS and Android.
It looks like this feature may not be available in every region yet, as some users like TeslaChinaRider are not seeing it available in the app yet.
Tesla has a history of testing new features in select markets before releasing it broadly. Hopefully that's the case with this feature as well.
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In Tesla software update 2024.32 and onwards, Tesla has made a big—and unexpected—change to how its vehicles handle power sockets. This change impacts every vehicle except the Cybertruck, where you can already adjust how power sockets are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Power Socket Change
This change to the power sockets means that in 2024.32, Tesla vehicles will have their 12v sockets and USB ports turned off while in Sentry Mode. Previously, while the car was awake or Sentry Mode was active, the 12v sockets in the rear of the vehicle and any of the USB ports would all remain powered.
Now, owners will no longer be able to operate devices that rely on these ports once the vehicle falls asleep. This change renders some accessories almost useless, such as vehicle fridges. Owners previously relied on Sentry Mode coming on when their vehicle was parked, which kept the fridge in the vehicle’s sub-trunk powered. This change will also prevent owners from using Sentry Mode to keep USB ports powered to charge laptops and other devices.
Until further changes are made, owners will have to use Camp Mode to keep 12v sockets and USB ports powered. However, Camp Mode leaves the vehicle unlocked, making it insecure and unsuitable for things like sub-trunk fridges.
Cybertruck Power Interface
Tesla may be planning to integrate the Outlets & Accessories menu from the Cybertruck into the rest of its vehicles. The outlets menu in the Cybertruck allows you to keep the cabin (and bed) outlets in the vehicle active, even when the vehicle isn’t in use. These outlets remain powered for up to 12 hours after the Cybertruck is exited.
The Power Menu in the Cybertruck
Not a Tesla App
Sentry Mode Improvements
Drew Baglino, Tesla’s now former SVP of powertrains and energy, said back in February of this year that Tesla was looking at reducing the amount of power that Sentry Mode used. He stated that Sentry Mode power consumption needs to be improved and that the team was working on an update to reduce power by about 40%. According to Baglino, the improvements were expected to come in the second quarter of this year, but it’s not clear if this change in update 2024.32 is part of those changes that will lower Sentry Mode’s power consumption.
Even if these are planned changes, we hope Tesla makes them optional, and lets owners choose when to keep outlets powered and when to conserve energy.
Tesla has issued an OTA recall for the Cybertruck – unsurprisingly, one that has already been fixed for customer vehicles. We’ll expand on the recall a little later, but more importantly, the recall filing revealed that Tesla has now built and sold 27,185 Foundation-Series Cybertrucks for customers.
OTA Recall
The OTA recall – which was issued in update 2024.32.5.2 and above, covered an issue that could delay the rearview camera being displayed on the dashboard.
This would occur if the Cybertruck was powered on, and then quickly shifted to reverse. The rearview camera would not come up on screen within the prescribed 2-second timeframe.
According to the NHTSA filing, Tesla has already fixed this via the OTA update, and the rearview camera will now display within that 2-second timeframe as required going forward. This was another easy OTA fix for Tesla.
Not a Tesla App
27k Cybertrucks
The filing also revealed that Tesla has produced and delivered approximately 27 thousand Foundation-Series Cybertrucks through September 14th. Tesla has been producing the Cybertruck for approximately 11 months now, with the 12-month anniversary coming up on November 13th.
Elon Musk previously mentioned that Tesla intends to produce approximately 375,000 trucks per year to compete with the ICE pickup market. Today, Tesla produces 1.7 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles per year, and about 80,000 Model S and Model X vehicles a year.
Overall, that 27 thousand over a year is only the start of production, and as Tesla expands and improves its production lines, we can expect that number to continue growing at a rapid pace. With the Foundation Series ending and Tesla opening up invites for reservation holders to configure their non-FS Cybertruck, that number is only expected to increase. The non-FS Cybertruck is priced at $79,990, $20k less than the Foundation Series. The Cybertruck will also become eligible for the Canadian iZEV Heavy EV Rebate.
This puts the Cybertruck in an excellent spot in the future—and it has already outsold its EV competitors in the same market. We’re looking forward to seeing how fast Tesla meets the upcoming demand for non-Foundation Series Cybertrucks.