Tesla has deployed a software update to resolve a recall affecting 25 Model X SUVs following complaints about headlight flickering under certain temperature conditions. The issue, identified as a combination of hardware and software factors, was reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) earlier this month.
The recall involves Model X vehicles manufactured between June 5 and August 2, 2024, with the defective components traced to lower headlamp assemblies supplied from Mexico. Tesla, in collaboration with the supplier, conducted a root-cause analysis and confirmed the issue. In October, the automaker identified the specific vehicles affected and addressed the problem with an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
While the update has resolved the issue, the NHTSA will notify affected owners via official letters by January 31, 2025. Despite the term “recall,” no physical repairs are needed, a point Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously criticized. Musk has called the term “anachronistic,” emphasizing that many Tesla recalls require only OTA updates, a process akin to software patches for smartphones or computers.
“Defects that pose an unreasonable risk to safety are serious and should be remedied as soon as possible,” the NHTSA said in an earlier statement. “Whether a remedy can be completed at a local dealership or through an over-the-air software update makes no difference to the safety risk posed by a defect or noncompliance.”
Tesla continues to pioneer OTA updates for resolving safety issues, highlighting a shift in how recalls are managed in the automotive industry. However, federal regulations still mandate formal notification of recalls, ensuring owners are informed of potential safety risks.
