The US Road Safety Board (NHTSA) asked carmaker Tesla on Wednesday to recall 158,000 Model S and Model X cars.
Some of those models have defects in the on-board computer that can lead to unsafe situations if the touchscreens do not work.
The authority made the unusual appeal to Tesla after further investigation that followed previous complaints in November. It was then found that specimens of the Model S (built between 2012 and 2018) and representatives of Model X (built between 2016 and 2018) “have a defect in engine safety”.
Tesla has not yet responded to the letter from the NHTSA but must respond by January 27. If Tesla refuses to recall the electric cars, it must provide “a full explanation of its decision”. It’s uncommon for the NHTSA to request a recall. Usually, manufacturers do this on their own.
The defects can cause the reversing camera not to work and the autopilot system and turn signal to work less well.
The systems to prevent the windscreen from fogging or freezing are also affected by the defect. This would have to do with the on-board computers’ limited memory capacity in models S and X.
