Tesla recalls 380,000 vehicles in US over power steering assist issue | CNN Business

CNN - Feb 21st, 2025

Tesla announced a recall of nearly 380,000 vehicles in the United States due to a power steering assist failure that could increase steering effort and potentially raise the risk of a crash, especially at low speeds. This decision follows over a year of investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports from Tesla owners about steering failures, including some cases where drivers were unable to turn the wheel. The company has identified 3,012 warranty claims potentially related to the issue but noted that no crashes or fatalities have been linked to the problem. Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to address the situation.

The recall affects some 2023 Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers with older software susceptible to an overvoltage breakdown that could overstress motor drive components. This marks Tesla's second significant recall this year, following a January recall involving malfunctioning rear-view cameras in about 239,000 vehicles. The announcement has had a slight impact on Tesla's stock, which has declined by roughly 10% in 2023 after a strong performance in 2024. This situation underscores ongoing challenges for Tesla in maintaining its vehicle quality and safety standards amid increasing scrutiny by regulatory bodies.

Tesla Software Update Vehicle Recall Power Steering Failure National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Model 3 Model Y Automotive Safety

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Tesla's recent vehicle recall, focusing on the technical issues and regulatory context. It effectively communicates the safety implications and the company's response, making it relevant and timely. However, the story could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and more diverse perspectives to enhance its balance and engagement. Overall, it serves as a reliable source of information for those interested in automotive safety and Tesla's operations.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the recall of nearly 380,000 Tesla vehicles due to a power steering assist failure. It specifies the models affected (2023 Model 3 and Model Y) and the technical issue involving an overvoltage condition. The article provides detailed information about the NHTSA probe and the number of warranty claims, aligning with known facts. However, the claim about the number of vehicles towed and the effectiveness of the software update requires further verification. The story is mostly precise, but the lack of direct citations for some claims slightly affects its accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including both the recall details and Tesla's response through the software update. It mentions the NHTSA investigation and provides context about previous recalls, which helps in understanding the broader implications. However, the story could improve by including perspectives from Tesla owners or industry experts to provide a more rounded view of the impact on consumers and the automotive industry.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, with a logical flow of information from the recall details to the technical explanations and historical context. The language is neutral and straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, some technical terms, like 'overvoltage breakdown,' could benefit from further explanation to enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with automotive technology.

Source quality

The article references the NHTSA and Tesla's statements, which are credible sources for information about recalls and safety issues. However, it lacks direct quotes or detailed attributions to these sources, which could enhance credibility. The mention of Reuters provides some external validation, but more diverse sources, such as industry analysts or consumer advocacy groups, would strengthen the report's reliability.

Transparency

The story provides basic information about the recall and the technical issues involved but lacks transparency in sourcing. It does not clearly disclose the methodology or sources used to gather information, such as interviews or official documents. Greater transparency in how the information was obtained and any potential conflicts of interest would improve the article's credibility.