Tesla Recalls Half a Million Cars Due To Bonnet Problem

Tesla is recalling nearly half a million Model 3 and Model S. All Model 3s that were manufactured between 2017 and 2020 are affected, as well as some versions of the Model S. With the Model S, it is feared that the frunk, i.e. the front trunk, could open while driving.

This is reported by Barron’s. It is a voluntary recall campaign that affects around 475,000 vehicles worldwide. Tesla has announced that it will fix possible errors in the trunk locking system on the Model 3 and Model S. In the case of the Model 3, the error can mean that opening and closing the trunk regularly could damage the wiring harness for attaching the rearview camera. This in turn can lead to an unexpected failure of the camera.

The problem with the Model S, on the other hand, is more serious as the front trunk may not lock completely. If the frunk opens while driving, the driver’s vision is impaired, which could lead to accidents.

The recall affects all Model 3s launched between 2017 and 2020, as well as certain Model S vehicles. According to records filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affected 475,318 vehicles, including 356,309 Model 3 and 119,109 Model S. Tesla estimates that only one percent of Model 3 vehicles will actually be defective. With the Model S, it could be up to 14 percent of the recalled vehicles.

Declaration from Tesla

“In the affected Model S vehicles, the front trunk lock can be misaligned so that the secondary hood lock does not engage,” Tesla told the NHTSA in an official letter.

Because the problem with the Model S is misalignment rather than a damaged component, Tesla believes that repositioning the locking device at a service center can correct the problem. Tesla has promised the affected Model 3 owners to install a new cable harness and guide protection free of charge. The owners are contacted by Tesla and a workshop appointment is made.