Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has initiated a comprehensive recall affecting a wide range of its vehicles, spanning from 2012 to 2024 models, due to a problem that compromises the visibility of critical safety information on the instrument panel. This recall specifically targets owners of the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and the 2024 Cybertruck. The core issue revolves around the display of crucial safety information, which could be obscured due to an incorrect font size, potentially hampering the driver’s ability to stay informed about the vehicle’s safety status.

The problem came to Tesla’s attention in January 2024 during a routine compliance audit that involved a 2023 Tesla Model Y. It was then that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Tesla to the non-compliance of the vehicle with specific regulatory standards regarding the letter font size height, as stipulated in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 135, specifically section S5.5.5(a). This prompted Tesla to conduct an exhaustive review of its manufacturing and software records, leading to the decision to issue a recall.

Since identifying the issue on January 24, 2024, Tesla has uncovered three warranty claims potentially linked to this problem, underscoring its prevalence and significance. Despite these findings, Tesla has reported no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this condition, highlighting the company’s proactive approach in addressing potential safety concerns.

The defect pertains to the display of the brake, park, and antilock brake system (ABS) warning lights on the instrument panel. The font size used for these crucial warning indicators was found to be below the minimum requirements set forth by federal motor vehicle safety standards concerning hydraulic and electric brake systems, as well as light vehicle brake systems. This non-compliance could potentially obscure critical safety warnings, posing a risk to drivers and passengers alike.

In response to this issue, Tesla has initiated an over-the-air (OTA) software update, specifically designed to correct the font size of the Brake, Park, and ABS visual warning indicators. The update ensures that the letter font size is increased to not less than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), aligning with the requirements of FMVSS Nos. 105 and 135. This software update began rolling out to certain affected vehicles in late January 2024, with the initial deployment featuring software release 2023.44.30.13. Tesla plans to extend this OTA update to all remaining affected vehicles with an upcoming release scheduled for early February 2024.

Tesla’s commitment to rectifying this issue is evident in its recall number SB-24-00-003 and the NHTSA campaign number 24V-051. This recall reflects Tesla’s dedication to ensuring the safety and compliance of its vehicles with federal safety standards. Vehicle owners affected by this recall can expect to be contacted by Tesla for the software update, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the safety and satisfaction of its customers.

A consumers report published this month could have some Tesla Model S drivers wondering if their cars could be lemons. When ConsumerReports.org first tested the Model S, they described the vehicles as a revolutionary car from an innovative automaker. In May 2013, they gave the Model S a score of 99 %, receiving a Consumer Reports’ recommendation. But over the last 15,743 miles, their test car developed some minor problems. These problems include: Continue reading

Tesla Motors Inc. has announced that they will be releasing another 5.3 million shares in a secondary public stock offering of $28.76 per share. These shares will be in addition to a private sale of 1.4 million to Elon Musk, CEO and co-founder of Tesla, plus an additional 637,475 shares to Blackstar Investco LLC, an affiliate of Daimler AG. The company hopes to raise about $211 million which will go towards developing their new SUV like vehicle, the Model X.

In June of 2010 when Tesla first went public, the sale was a big success. The stocks were estimated to sell at about $15 a share but ended going up to as high as $19. Just two days after the release, the stock shot up to almost double the first offering. Despite the huge success, the Tesla IPO soon lost it’s momentum.

Tesla is not expected to make a profit for another two years. They currently sell just one vehicle, the Roadster, a sporty electric car popular with the rich and famous. The first public stock offering has allowed them to develop a more affordable model, the Model S, which will be released to the public next year. The company is currently developing battery packs and chargers for Daimler and Toyota, and have been working with Toyota to develop an electric version to the RAV 4. Tesla shares currently remain steady around $27.00.

Energy Secretary, Stephen Chu, announced during a visit to Ford’s headquarters that it will receive a loan of $8 billion, out of the $25 billion intended for loans to automakers to speed up development of more fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford will initially borrow $5.9 billion to be disbursed through 2011 for retooling 11 plants in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. The loans will help in employing about 35,000 engineering and factory personnel. Ford intends to begin repaying the loans in 2012.

Ford says that the loans will help it make 13 Ford models more fuel-efficient and intends to start selling four electric vehicle models by 2012.

Nissan will receive $1.6 billion in loans to be used in overhauling its factory in Tennessee where it will start building electric vehicles which it hopes will eventually build 150,000 electric cars annually. It estimates that the project will create 1,300 new jobs.

Tesla Motors, a California company, will get $465 million in loans to make electric vehicles. Tesla is only a six-year-old company which has been concentrating on producing electric vehicles. It intends to build two plants in California one to assemble its Model S, a battery-powered sedan it intends to start selling in 2011 for about $57,000. The second plant will be used to build battery packs and electric drive trains for both its own cars and those made by other manufacturers. The two plants could create as many as 1,650 new jobs.

The bankruptcies by General Motors and Chrysler made them ineligible for this first round of loans. It is expected, however, that similar loans will be approved at a later time.

If you think the vehicle you are driving may be a lemon, in California, call the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates at 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666) for a Free consultation.