Tesla Recalls 700,000 Vehicles Over Tire Pressure Warning Fault

What’s new

Tesla is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunction that could fail to warn drivers of low tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Thursday that the recall affects specific models, including the 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3 and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.

NHTSA said the problem involves TPMS warning lights that may not stay on between drive cycles, preventing drivers from receiving a timely warning if their tire pressure is dangerously low.

A Tesla Cybertruck
A Tesla Cybertruck electric vehicle, November 27, 2024, Santa Monica, California. Tesla is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles due to a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system warning light, among them Cybertrucks.

Kirby Lee/AP

Why it matters

Driving with improperly inflated tires can lead to reduced vehicle control and a greater likelihood of accidents.

The latest recall highlights Tesla’s ongoing challenges in ensuring vehicle safety.

Although the company has been proactive in addressing issues — often through over-the-air software updates — the frequency of recalls continues to cause concern.

What to know

The latest recall marks another chapter in the Elon Musk-led automaker’s ongoing recall activity in 2023.

Earlier this year, the company recalled over 1.8 million vehicles in July due to a hood problem that could increase the risk of crashes.

Tesla Model Y electric cars
Car transporters are loaded with new Tesla Model Y electric cars at the Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg site, December 9, 2024. 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles are among those that have been recalled.

Patrick Pleul/picture-alliance/dpa/AP

Why are Tesla vehicles being recalled?

In February, nearly 2.2 million Teslas were recalled because some dashboard warning lights were too small to be easily seen by drivers.

Tesla has also faced several recalls related to its long-awaited Cybertruck.

The company’s electric pickup, which made its long-awaited customer debut in November 2023, now has seven recalls under its belt.

The most recent recall, issued in November, involved about 2,400 Cybertruck units.

While these recalls raise concerns about quality control, Tesla’s use of over-the-air updates has allowed the company to fix many issues externally.

How is Tesla solving its recall problems?

But with the automaker’s rapid expansion and new vehicle models on the way, including the Cybertruck, the frequency of recalls has gained increased attention.

Newsweek contacted Tesla via email on Friday requesting a response.

Tesla saw a 5.04 percent drop in its share price during Friday’s premarket, according to the financial news outlet, Benzinga Pro.

What happens next

Tesla said the problem would be fixed with an over-the-air software update, a solution the company often uses to fix vehicle problems.

It added that owner notification letters will be mailed from February 15, 2025.

In the meantime, Tesla customers can contact the company’s support team or contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline for additional details.

This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press