New Tesla Recall Prompted by Power Steering Problems

Tesla drivers have another possible safety issue to worry about.

The luxury electric vehicle manufacturer is recalling some 40,000 cars around the globe, NBC reports. The vehicles are at risk of losing the power steering assist function without warning.

“Reduced or lost power steering assist may require greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash,” Tesla said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The recall covers certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. 

The defect stems from an October software update, Tesla acknowledged in the notice. It caused some vehicles to lose power steering when driving over bumpy roads and potholes. 

Tesla told NHTSA it is “not aware of any injuries or deaths” related to the problem.

The company plans to notify owners of recalled cars by the end of the year. Tesla expects to roll out another software update over the air to fix the defect.

This is just one of several safety issues that have plagued the company - and anyone in its cars - in recent years.

Tesla is reportedly embroiled in at least two federal investigations over its Autopilot driver-assist technology. The probes stem from more than a dozen accidents involving cars in which the Autopilot system was reportedly engaged.

The Department of Justice is also looking into whether the company has been misleading the public into thinking that the technology allows Tesla vehicles to drive themselves, according to a recent report.

In October, Tesla called back roughly 1.1 million vehicles over faulty power windows that it acknowledged are a possible safety threat. The company said earlier this year that it was recalling another 54,000 cars over a “rolling stop” feature that may prevent the vehicles from coming to a full stop at intersections.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Tesla Owners

Fortunately, Tesla owners in California do not need to wait around for a recall to get defective and malfunctioning vehicles fixed.

The state’s lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to do a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces automakers to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

How Our California Lemon Law Lawyers Can Help You

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle or are haggling with a car manufacturer over repairs, the California lemon lawyers at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at our firm.