Recently, Tesla addressed an issue by promptly releasing a software update. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be sending out owner notification letters on March 22, with the recall number for the problem being 24V-035 and the manufacturer recall number SB-24-00-002.
The company introduced the software update version 2023.44.100.1 earlier this month after evaluating the affected vehicle and software versions. This announcement has sparked a debate among Tesla and electric vehicle (EV) owners, as they have criticized the use of the term “recall” for issues that can be fixed with an immediate over-the-air (OTA) software update, rather than requiring service by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk has weighed in on the use of the term “recall,” previously calling it “anachronistic and just flat wrong” when referring to a software update. However, the NHTSA continues to classify these types of issues as recalls, despite not needing physical servicing.
At present, the NHTSA and the Department of Transportation have not responded to questions about potentially introducing new terminology for recalls addressed through software updates. The latest letter advised by U.S. Senators emphasizes the ongoing debate over recall terminology.