China’s market regulator on Tuesday said Tesla will fix software issues in 77,650 China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. It is being managed as a product recall under regulations in China and is linked to product pressure monitoring.
The issue lies with a software that does not always present the monitored tyre pressure as soon as the vehicle starts. The regulator instructed Tesla to fix the problem, but did not detail whether affected customers would have to send in vehicles for repairs or be eligible for refunds under the recall framework.
In China, the U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer will separately recall 63 imported vehicles, including 36 Model S and 27 Model X. The cars in question have a defect in the driver’s frontal airbag that could threaten passenger safety, leading to the recall.
It is another regulatory headache for Tesla in China, its biggest market outside the United States. Locally manufactured cars are crucial for Tesla to maintain its competitive edge in the country, where the company has been expanding rapidly.
Tesla has not unveiled detailed plans for how the recall would be handled, including whether Model 3 and Model Y customers can expect over-the-air updates to remedy the software flaw on their vehicles. However, Tesla vehicles often use such updates to address technical or safety issues without requiring a service visit.
China’s automotive regulatory environment has become increasingly strict to ensure safety as the country’s electric vehicle market booms. Domestic automakers like BYD and NIO have been gaining ground in the EV sector and have been scrutinised more than Tesla in recent times.
It is the latest chapter in Tesla’s catalogue of regulatory and safety mishaps, ranging from software recalls to mechanical problems. As Tesla aims to reinforce its reputation for reliability and safety, timely and effective handling of the current recalls will be critical for its continued success in the competitive Chinese market.