Tesla Model Y recall issued over faulty trailer brake lights

A new recall has been issued today by Transport Canada and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that affects thousands Model Y vehicles.

According to documents posted to the Transport Canada and NHTSA websites on Monday, a software glitch may cause the optional trailer brake lights from functioning. Since it only impacts those with the optional trailer hitch installed, and we don’t know how many of them have been delivered, it is difficult to determine how big of a problem this may be.

In Canada the recall impacts just 342 vehicles, while in the US 2,567 Model Y’s are affected.

Even though the software issue will be fixed with a free over-the-air (OTA) software update later this month, the recall notice had to be issued since the vehicle fails to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards in the US.

Here is the full recall from Transport Canada.

Transport Canada Recall # 2020-463

Recall Date	2020-09-30
Last Updated	2020-10-16
Notification Type	Compliance Mfr
System	Lights And Instruments
Issued by	TESLA
Manufacturer Recall Number	SB-20-00-002
Units Affected	342
Category	SUV
Recall Details
Issue: While towing a trailer, a software problem could cause the trailer’s brake lights to not turn on when the brakes are applied. Note: The vehicle’s brake lights will continue to work normally.Safety Risk: Brake lights that do not work could cause a following driver not to recognize that a vehicle ahead is braking. This could increase the risk of a crash.Corrective Actions: Tesla will send a wireless over-the-air update to each vehicle. This will update the vehicle control module software without having to bring the vehicle to a service center. The new software will ensure that the trailer brake lights turn on when the brakes are applied. Tesla will notify owners in writing and direct them to install the update. Tesla advises that you should not tow a trailer until the new software has been installed.