Tesla re-enables remote window functions following NHTSA recall

Tesla has started re-enabling remote and automatic window functions after the automaker was forced to remove them to comply with NHTSA regulations. The update is being pushed to vehicles and does not recall an actual software update to be installed.

Earlier this year we reported that Tesla has removed some remote and automatic window functions following an over-the-air (OTA) recall to correct an issue with the automatic window reversal system in nearly 1.1 million vehicles. Those functions included the ability to remotely control the windows through the app (vent and close), the ability to automatically close the windows upon locking the vehicle, and the automatic closing of the windows when entering Car Wash Mode.

Not all owners saw these functions disabled. The features remained in our 2019 Model 3, but they were not present when we took delivery of our Model Y in October 2022. Many of our readers reported similar findings and that the functions were never removed from their vehicles.

Nonetheless on Friday Tesla re-enabled these features in those vehicles that had the features removed. According to one of our readers Mario Gaucher (@MarioGaucher), who has a 2023 Model 3 on software version 2023.2.12, a message appeared on his in-car display saying his car “now has access to new window features.” This is the same software version that Tesla mentions has the fix included to address the recall, even though this version was released about one month ago.

Interestingly the message only mentions two of the three features that were removed, remote open and close (vent) and closing windows when the vehicle locks. We have asked Mario about Car Wash Mode but have not heard back at the time of publication.

We first reported the appearance of this message on Twitter last night (follow us to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news), and many owners reported the functions had returned to their in-car menu and mobile app.

Did you get the message and have the functions returned to your car? Let us know in the comments below.

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