Over 48,000 of Tesla's Model 3 Performance EVs were denoted with an "over-the-air-recall" on Friday, Apr. 29, due to the rides' "track mode" malfunctioning. The electric automaker has been experiencing several air-based recalls, which sound rather negative on the surface, but in actuality, only require a quick software update - thus the phrase "over-the-air-recall."
In its recall notice, Tesla writes the following:
"Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays.""
Tesla initially debuted Model 3 Performance Track Mode features in 2018, allotting the EVs more dynamic controls and track performance capabilities. The automaker later would update this software come 2020 with the aptly named Track Mode V2, which gave Model 3 Performance drivers a host of additional features, such as a slew of customization options and even gamified racetrack maps.
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The automaker's so-called "over-the-air-recall" capabilities are the driving reasons behind most choosing Tesla over all other automotive brands. Instead of customers being required to take their rides all the way back to the manufacturer, all they need to do is update the EVs' internal software for whatever "recall" the car is experiencing at that time.
This isn't the first for the company, either. In Feb, Tesla was required to "over-the-air-recall" over 800,000 of its EVs due to a seatbelt issue. According to the company, that annoying seat belt ringing reminder was failing to activate in specific conditions, thus requiring the software update recall.
Fortunately, this time around, the issue mainly stems from a non-compliant speed display while in Track Mode. In a report sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla wrote:
"Lack of a speed unit when using Track Mode may not adequately inform the driver of vehicle speed, which may increase the risk of a collision. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition."
The automaker has informed all Tesla Model 3 Performance owners to expect an "over-the-air-recall" notice by June 6th, 2022, while the actual software update should have already been installed on or after Apr. 29.
