NHTSA finally acknowledges that Tesla will address recalls with software updates

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finally admitted that some recalls can be resolved through over-the-air software updates rather than physical visits to a service center. This is a hotly debated issue that many people have raised, especially Tesla fans who have had their vehicle issues resolved with a simple download.

This morning, Tesla initiated a recall of 694,304 vehicles across most of its lineup to address an issue with an unlit tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The issue will be resolved with an over-the-air software update.

The NHTSA now notes below that recalls resolved using this convenient method will be resolved with software updates:

This is a big step in the right direction as many, even Tesla boss Elon Musk, have called for updated terminology for recalls in recent years.

Elon Musk calls on NHTSA to update terminology following Tesla ‘recall’ of 1 million units

Although the NHTSA has confirmed in its communications that the problems will be resolved through software updates, this is the first time we have seen this notice directly under the recall title on its website.

The issue affects 2024 Cybertrucks, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y and may not alert drivers of low tire pressure in their vehicles. The lack of illumination from the TPMS light is a violation of FMVSS 138, S4.4(b)(3), which states:

“The TPMS malfunction indicator will continue to illuminate under the conditions specified in S4.4(a) as long as the malfunction persists when the ignition interlock system is in the “On” (“Run”) position.”

Tesla will address the issue with the update, which will resolve the issue without requiring any physical maintenance.

As of December 13, Tesla is not aware of any injuries or accidents due to this issue.

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NHTSA finally acknowledges that Tesla will address recalls with software updates