Tesla recalls nearly half a million cars worldwide after safety issues

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Over 450,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model S electric cars are being recalled in US and over 200,000 in China after the American automaker identified issues with the rearview camera and trunk that could increase the risk of crashing.

The affected vehicles include all Model 3s made between 2017 to 2020 with as many as 356,309 cars affected, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tesla is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths caused by the defect.

The United States’ road safety regulator on Thursday said it had been discussing another camera issue with Tesla, while it was probing its driver assistant system.

The coaxial cable is attached to a harness on the trunk lid and can become worn after repeated opening and closing of the trunk. If the core of coaxial cable separates due to excessive wear, the rearview camera feed will not be visible on the center display, affecting the driver’s view and increasing the risk of collision, the NHTSA said.

In simple terms, repeated opening or closing of the trunk could damage the cable.

Tesla will inspect the trunk harnesses in affected vehicles and equip the harness with a guide to protect it from further wear if necessary. Owners who paid to replace or fix the trunk harness for the same issue prior to the recall may be eligible for reimbursement from Tesla.

Tesla discontinued the problematic trunk harness at the end of the 2020 model year. All 2021 Model 3 vehicles have a different harness design.

A letter notifying owners of the issue will be mailed beginning on Feb. 18.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said the defects could affect the cars’ backup cameras or cause the hood to open suddenly while driving. Cars made between+ 2015 and 2020 are covered by the recall in China, with Tesla to inspect and fix the cars for free.