Tesla has rolled out a series of over-the-air software updates to address a recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a rearview camera display issue in several of its vehicles. The recall potentially impacts 239,382 units of the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, with affected vehicles spanning model years 2023 to 2025.
The problem is linked to the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer, which can cause the rearview camera display to stop functioning. Specifically, the issue arises from a short circuit involving primary and/or secondary power components, which relates to a recall from November that had mostly been resolved. NHTSA estimates that around 2 percent of the affected vehicles may experience this issue. According to Tesla, there have been 887 warranty claims and 68 field reports related to the problem.
To resolve the issue, the software update modifies the vehicle power-up sequence to prevent the short-circuit failure. Owners of vehicles with the updated software versions, including 2024.44.25.3, 2024.45.25.6, or later releases, are not required to take any further action if they have not already experienced camera problems or a loss of Autopilot and FSD functionality. However, owners who have experienced these issues, particularly those from the previous recall in November, are advised to schedule service with Tesla.
If needed, Tesla service technicians will replace the car computer in affected vehicles to ensure that the rearview camera functions properly. As noted by NHTSA, “On or shortly after December 18, 2024, at no cost to customers, affected vehicles began receiving an over-the-air (OTA) software update that changes the vehicle power-up sequence to prevent the shorting failure condition.” The recall report further clarifies that no additional action is necessary for vehicles with the updated software, provided they have not encountered the short-circuiting issue.