Tesla Recalls Nearly 240,000 Vehicles Due to Rearview Camera Failure: NHTSA

Federal highway safety officials have issued a recall affecting 239,382 Tesla vehicles due to a potential defect in the computer circuit board, which could cause the rearview camera to fail, significantly increasing the risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Tesla rearview camera recall on January 8, warning that certain 2023 through 2025 model year Tesla vehicles may be equipped with a computer board that could short circuit, resulting in the loss of rear view functionality.

Backup cameras have become a critical safety feature over the past decade, providing drivers with a clear view behind their vehicles to help prevent accidents. Since May 2018, federal regulations have required all new motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds to include rearview cameras.

However, when backup cameras fail to function properly, they can significantly increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, other vehicles or stationary objects.

While the NHTSA report does not attribute any accidents or injuries to the defect, officials indicate there have been at least 887 warranty claims and 68 field reports related to the recall.

Tesla first became aware of the issue on November 21, 2024, after identifying an increase in the number of car computer replacements linked to shorting failures in the primary or secondary power components.

Between November 26 and December 20, 2024, Tesla conducted an investigation into the issue and determined it was linked to software versions released before 2024.44.25.3 or 2024.45.25.6. According to the investigation, these earlier software versions, combined with colder temperatures, could cause an increase in reverse current, potentially leading to power component shorting during startup.

The investigation concluded on December 27, 2024, prompting the manufacturer to initiate a voluntary safety recall for 2023–2025 Tesla Model X and Model Y vehicles, as well as 2024–2025 Tesla Model 3 and Model S vehicles.

Tesla began providing a free over-the-air software update on or shortly after December 18, 2024, to adjust the vehicle’s power-up sequence and prevent shorting failures. Customers will also receive notification letters starting March 7, 2025. No further action is required for owners unless their vehicle is already experiencing a shorting condition.

For vehicles affected before installing software version 2024.44.25.3, 2024.45.25.6 or later, Tesla will replace the car computer free of charge.

Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-25-00-001. Customers may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the company’s contact for this recall, Sarah Shiver, via email at sarah.shiver@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Tesla Self-Driving Investigations

Earlier this month, a Tesla “Smart Summon” feature investigation was initiated by NHTSA, following 16 accidents caused by defects in the full-self-driving system, which was designed to control Tesla vehicles via a mobile app. However, the system failed to detect obstacles, leading to collisions that posed risks of property damage and potential injury.

Prior to this month’s investigation, a previous Tesla self-driving investigation was launched in October 2024, following four pedestrian accidents, including one fatality. The investigation involved Tesla vehicles using Full Self-Driving features in areas with reduced roadway visibility, including conditions caused by sun glare, fog and dust.

In addition, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Tesla late last year, which claimed that the company misrepresented the safety of its Autopilot feature. The lawsuit alleged that although Tesla portrayed Autopilot as a safe and fully autonomous driving system, its deficiencies led to the death of a 33-year-old man after his Tesla collided with a fire truck. The family claimed that the company’s misrepresentation caused their child and brother to trust the Autopilot feature, which failed to detect the emergency vehicle.