Tesla recalls nearly 240,000 vehicles due to rearview camera issue

Tesla is recalling 239,382 electric vehicles across most of its model lines because of rearview camera displays that could fail.

Circuit boards in the affected vehicles could short out, causing a loss of the rearview camera image on the central display screen, according to the NHTSA. This could increase the risk of hitting someone or something while in reverse, the safety agency said.

The recall encompasses the following vehicles:

• 2024-2025 Tesla Model 3 sedan
• 2024-2025 Tesla Model S sedan
• 2023-2025 Tesla Model X crossover
• 2023-2025 Tesla Model Y crossover

Tesla estimates that just 2% of the recalled vehicles actually have this defect, and was identified 887 related warranty claims and 68 field reports. However, it told the NHTSA that it is unaware of any collisions, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue.

Tesla was the most recalled automaker of 2024, but it’s not alone in conducting a large recall for faulty rearview camera displays. Ford, General Motors, Ram Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia, and Hyundai—virtually every major automaker—has issued a similar recall in the past few years.

The rearview camera was mandated on all new cars built in 2018, but this rule’s implementation coincided with elaborate dashboard displays that perform more functions beyond showing rearview camera images. A failure of these displays can run afoul of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards because of this, as Tesla found out in 2021, when it was forced to recall its Model S and Model X after some vehicles’ screens stopped working.

A failure to comply with a recall of this nature can also result in a steep penalty. In 2024, the NHTSA imposed a $165 million fine on Ford for failing to address a rearview camera recall in a timely and transparent manner.

The remedy for this recall starts with a free over-the-air software update, which doesn’t require a visit to a service center. Tesla will also monitor cars for circuit board failure, or component stress that could lead to a failure, and replace computers as necessary—also free of charge.

Tesla plans to notify owners by mail Mar. 7. Owners can also contact the automaker’s customer service department at 1-877-798-3752 and reference recall number SB-25-001 for more information.