The NHTSA has again challenged Tesla’s obsolete features to interfere with federal vehicle safety standards. On Tuesday the company found a mandatory pedestrian warning system for all hybrid and electric vehicles on Tesla models equipped with the Boombox function.
The Boombox enables Tesla owners to transmit sound outside the car via a built-in external speaker that Tesla first introduced in late 2019. It is intended for tailgating or other get-down situations when parking the car. The NHTSA has discovered that external speakers can sound when vehicles are moving, which can obscure pedestrian warning systems. Obviously, the sound emanating from a boombox, whether it’s a prayer or a hovercraft’s radar sensing sound, may not be enough warning.
“While Boombox can increase vehicle clarity for pedestrians, a vehicle that uses Boombox when driving, neutral or vice versa, including if summons or smart summons is used, PWS can be inconsistent … which can increase the risk of a collision.” The agency said in its security withdrawal report.
The recall includes all 594,717 models produced since 2020. These include the 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, and Model Y cars with Summon or Smart Summon features made before March 31, 2022. A retrofitted pedestrian warning system. An over-the-air update will fix the problem and stop Boombox from running when cars are drive, neutral or reverse.
This recall goes beyond a similar recall in February of this year, marked as 22V-063; The current, slightly larger recall is 22V-235.
This is at least the fourth major recall of Tesla models this year, and the electric automaker is being investigated by the NHTSA for accidental braking allegations that pose further danger.
Tesla is aware of any injuries or crashes from Boombox at speed. Owners can expect notification letters by mail early June 6, 2022 Owners can contact Tesla Customer Service at 1-877-798-3752.