OTA update for Tesla EVs in China to fix braking issues

\Tesla expects an over-the-air (OTA) software update to fix 1.1 million vehicles in China with braking and acceleration issues.

China’s market regulator identified the issue as a “product recall”,  though, as is typical with Tesla, the issue appears to be addressable with a software update, The Verge reports.

The issue covers Tesla Model S, X, 3, and Y — both imported and made in China, that were manufactured between January 12, 2019, and April 24, 2023, The Verge says.

The State Administration for Market Regulation describes the problem as: “Vehicles covered by this recall do not allow drivers to select an energy recovery braking strategy; At the same time, there may not be enough reminders for the driver’s prolonged deep press of the accelerator pedal. The combination of the above factors may increase the probability of accidentally pressing the accelerator pedal for a long time, which may increase the risk of collision and have potential safety hazards.”

The Verge says it’s the second recall for Tesla in China.

“Earlier this year, the company issued a recall for 2649 vehicles after China’s regulator said that the hood on certain Model S vehicles was at risk of opening during driving.

“The braking issue does not appear to be related to Tesla’s ‘phantom braking’ problem that has prompted recalls and lawsuits in the US,” The Verge explains.

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into the issue that has affected at least 800 vehicle owners, who have reported sudden braking in response to imagined hazards.”

The Verge says Tesla has faced a series of recalls in the US related to various other issues, including its Full Self-Driving (FSD) product.

“Earlier this year, Tesla paused the rollout of FSD after recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles equipped with the controversial driver-assist system.”

It adds that Tesla chief executive Elon Musk doesn’t like the word “recall” as problems can often be fixed with an OTA software update.