NHTSA issues another recall for Tesla’s Boombox function

For the second time this year, Tesla is recalling hundreds of thousands of its vehicles due to complaints that its vehicles’ “Boombox” function covers up pedestrian warning sounds when they are in the “summons” mode. The summons mode allows users to control their vehicles through an app, meaning they can “instruct” the vehicles to drive to them autonomously.  

According to a release from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, affected models include Model 3 vehicles from model years 2017 to 2022 and Model Y, X, and S vehicles from model years 2020 through 2022. Overall, the recall reportedly affects 595,000 vehicles. 

The previous recall came in February, when users complained that the pedestrian warning sounds were masked by the Boombox feature when the cars were in reverse, neutral, or drive. Federal law states that only an automaker can create and install the noises made for pedestrian alerts, and as of 2010, all-electric and hybrid vehicles must have these warning noises. However, these warnings are normally not very loud and can easily be obscured by other sounds.  

The NHTSA’s filings also indicate that over 7,000 other Tesla vehicles are being recalled due to reports that airbags on the sides may fail to inflate if the windows are rolled down. These include Model X vehicles from model years 2021 and 2022, and the issue was reportedly located during testing completed by Tesla. The automaker said owners will get a notice of the recall this summer.

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