We’ve heard a lot about it: Tesla is recalling 2 million cars. But wait, it’s not what you think. In reality, Tesla didn’t ask everyone to return their cars to the garage. In fact, the NHTSA figures show how rare “real” recalls are at Tesla.
Recently, Tesla was at the center (once again) of automotive news with the announcement of a recall of 2 million vehicles. However, it is crucial to understand what a “recall” actually means in this context. Contrary to what the term might suggest, it was not a physical return of the cars to the workshop. Indeed, most recent cases involving Tesla involve remote software updates, in accordance with regulations from NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States. This government agency ensures vehicle safety on U.S. roads, reviewing and enforcing strict standards.
A revealing comparison
For perspective, a look at NHTSA data for 2023 indicates that Tesla has been subject to 13 recalls. Does that seem like a lot? Not that much. Compare with other big names in the auto industry: Volkswagen with 18 recalls, Mercedes and its 27, BMW with 29, Chrysler which climbs to 45, and Ford in the lead with 54.
This is all for the American market. The crazy thing is that despite these numbers, many feel like Tesla is the class dunce. Not really fair, huh?
The advantages of OTA technology
Now, let’s talk about the famous OTA (Over The Air) updates. Of the 2.1 million “recalled” Tesla cars, only 21,455 actually needed to go through the workshop. What is that in percentage? Barely 1%! The rest is just a software update sent from Tesla’s offices. Thanks to this, they save a lot of money and time. No more managing the return of millions of cars, changing parts, none of that. One click, and it’s done.
Basically, the next time you hear about a Tesla recall, keep in mind that it’s probably just a small update. Don’t panic, no big return to the workshop. That’s the magic of OTA technology, like on our smartphones.