Tesla has issued its second recall for the Semi, however unlike the first recall that required a physical service visit and parts replacement, this recall can be fixed with a simple over-the-air (OTA) software update.
Tesla delivered the first Semi trucks to PepsiCo last November, three years after they were first slated to enter production. As with any new product the Semi experienced some issues, resulting in a recall in March to replace the parking brake valves on 35 Semis. A few months later and the second recall has been issued, this time concerning the door closure warning system.
According to the recall notice published on the NHTSA website, 36 Tesla Semi trucks produced from November 30, 2022 to March 15, 2023 that are running on software version 2023.12.5.6 do not properly warn the driver of an open side door. Here is how Tesla describes the issue in the notice.
“For side doors like those equipped on Semi, FMVSS 206, S4.1.2.3, requires a door closure warning system that must activate a visual signal when a door latch system is not in its fully latched position and the vehicle ignition is activated. Because the door closure warning system on affected vehicles activates only when the vehicle’s parking brake is not engaged, regardless of its “ignition” status, and because the operator of certain affected vehicles may dismiss the notification from the door closure warning system, affected vehicles do not comply with FMVSS 206, S4.1.2.3.”
Tesla says being able to dismiss the notification may not keep the driver sufficiently aware of an open side door, which could increase the risk of injury if they happen to forget. The automaker is not aware of any crashes or injuries as a result of the issue.
The fix is included in software update 2023.12.5.6 or later, which Tesla already started deploying on June 6, 2023. The update includes a “dedicated non-dismissible telltale” to inform the driver of an open door.
You can read the full recall notice below.
RCLRPT-23V422-8709
