Tesla has issued a recall for about 130,000 vehicles because their touchscreens can operate slowly, appear blank, or restart unexpectedly. The recall affects some 2020-2021 Model 3 sedans, Model Y SUVs, Model S sedans, and Model X SUVs.
Like many Tesla recalls, the automaker believes it can be fixed remotely with a software update. But federal law requires automakers to notify owners of quality problems and resulting changes to their cars.
The problem, Tesla explains, is overheating of a microchip. “During fast-charging or preparation for fast-charging, the infotainment central processing unit (‘CPU’) may not cool sufficiently to prevent higher than expected temperatures.” That can cause the CPU to shut down, operate slowly, or restart.
The touchscreens in some Tesla models control shifting the car into drive, neutral, or reverse. So a blank touchscreen could leave the car inoperable.
Tesla has already begun issuing an over-the-air software update that should correct the problem. Owners will also receive a notice in the mail.
Many cars are recalled to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. While automakers try to reach every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
