Tesla has been working on a new software “recall” that will be alter the size of some indicator icons. The NHTSA approved the modification after discovering that certain icons didn’t always meet the required sizes.
All vehicles delivered in the US will receive the update, which has no effect on other vehicle features.
Tesla owners have always objected to the word “recall” being applied to a small software update that was remotely installed in their cars. They are partially right when they say that most Americans associate the term negatively.
After all, it’s linked to safety issues that compel automakers to replace defective parts on their cars before they can go into service. Owners and their families could be in grave danger if this isn’t done.
As modular architecture and standardization gained traction in the automotive industry, it has become common for millions of vehicles to be involved in large recalls due to defective parts……….
.Tesla is among the automakers who have rarely had to replace parts in order to comply with safety regulations, Frequently, Tesla had to use software updates to alter the way its cars operated. ….
……..Even though the repair can be installed without the vehicle being driven to a dealership or service facility, the NHTSA still refers to this as a safety recall.
Owners and supporters of Tesla have long maintained that it is incorrect to refer to a software update as a “recall.” Though, in theory, it isn’t. Of course, a software update is necessary to resolve problems with recalled software.
However, software bugs can occasionally put people’s lives in danger, in which case this is still considered a safety recall. These software recalls, however, only provide functional enhancements in other situations.
In the most recent case, Tesla and the NHTSA agreed that the warning icon sizes might be too small. ..
….We found that Tesla is increasing the visibility of certain warning icons on US vehicles by changing them. Software 2023.44.30.13 and later will be affected by the change, so everyone getting the 2024 updates should have them.
Those who have already seen the new icons on recently delivered cars report that they appear to be roughly 10% larger. The primary modification relates to text-based warning lights, such as those for the parking brake (which display the word “Park”), ABS, and the brake system (which display the word “Brake”).
Everyone acknowledges that this is a small alteration that isn’t worth mentioning.
To let them know about the problem and how it plans to fix it, Tesla will need to mail letters to each and every one of its customers. That’s despite the fact that all cars will receive a software update long before the letter does.
It is true that the NHTSA needs to modify its procedures for software recalls.