Pre-2021 Model X dash. Source: Web Archive
Tesla will voluntarily recall 134,951 Model S electric sedans and Model X electric SUVs to replace touchscreen controllers, it said in a letter to the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA).
A problem with embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) installed in certain vehicles between 2012 and 2018 came to light after Tesla identified that the eMMC controller in the Nvidia Tegra 3 processor could wear out causing the rearview camera to longer display vision on the vehicle’s dashboard touchscreen.
“When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions,” NHTSA states on its website.
In a letter sent to Tesla that was first cited by Teslarati, NHTSA confirmed that some Model S vehicles built from 2012-2018 and some Model X vehicles built in the years 2016-2018 would be recalled to fix a faulty video touchscreen controller.
Tesla said in a letter sent to affected owners, “Tesla has decided to voluntarily recall certain Model S and Model X vehicles built before March 2018 that are equipped with an 8GB embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) in the media control unit because the eMMC may malfunction due to accumulated wear. Our records show that you own a Model S or Model X affected by this recall.”
Recalls are expected to commence in March 2021, and Tesla confirmed with The Driven in a previous communication that local Tesla owners had received a letter regarding the “warranty adjustment program” in November.
In late January, Tesla announced a refreshed design for both its premium electric vehicles which includes a completely new look for the dashboard.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
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