Michael Simari Car and Driver
- Tesla is recalling 134,951 of its 2016–2018 Model X and 2012–2018 Model S vehicles for a problem with the infotainment system’s media control unit (MCU).
- The MCU can fail, and as a result the screen no longer projects the rearview camera’s image on the screen and the driver loses the ability to control the climate control system as well as the exterior turn signals.
- On affected vehicles, Tesla is replacing the MCU with one with a longer life span and will reimburse owners who have already replaced the MCU in their vehicles at their own cost.
Tesla is recalling 134,951 of its 2016–2018 Model X SUVs and 2012–2018 Model S sedans to replace an infotainment system processor which can wear out and cause a failure in the some of the functions in the center screen. The recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took the unusual step of asking Tesla in a letter to recall these vehicles; normally, automakers agree to a voluntary recall before NHTSA formally asks.
The issue stems from a media control unit (MCU) which has a limited life span. When it starts to fail, the system can no longer project the rearview camera display on the screen, drivers also lose the ability to adjust the defrost and climate control settings, and also can’t use the exterior turn signals. Tesla said in a filing with NHTSA that for drivers who experience these problems, “the driver can perform a shoulder check and use the mirrors” when the rearview camera doesn’t work, and “will be able to manually clear the windshield” when the climate control settings don’t work.
Michael Simari Car and Driver
Tesla said that it is unaware of any injuries or accidents resulting from the MCU failing and to remedy the recall, the automaker will replace the MCU with a newer one with a longer life span at no charge to owners. Tesla will resimburse owners who have already replaced the MCU on their vehicles.
NHTSA, using data provided by Tesla, found that the failure rate for the MCUs in these vehicles was as high as 17.3 percent for the 2012–2015 Model S and up to 4.1 percent for the 2016–2018 Model X and Model S. Nonetheless, the agency noted that “Tesla provided confirmation that all units will inevitably fail.” Owners of Teslas from those model years can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is included.
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