Tesla ordered to recall more than a million US cars

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Shiona McCallum
  • Role, Technology reporter

Tesla is recalling nearly 1.1 million cars in the US because the windows might close too fast and pinch people's fingers.

Documents produced by American regulators show the windows may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk criticised the description as a recall calling it "outdated and inaccurate".

The car giant says a software update will fix the problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the fault is a safety-standards violation.

The world's largest electric-vehicle manufacturer has had repeated run-ins with federal safety regulators, whom Mr Musk calls "the fun police".

Previous recalls have been due to:

  • rear-view cameras
  • bonnet latches
  • seat-belt reminders
  • sound-system software

The latest recall covers all four Tesla models, specifically 2017-22 Model 3 sedans and some 2020-21 Model Y SUVs (sports utility vehicles), Model S sedans and Model X SUVs.

Tesla discovered the problem with the automatic windows during production testing in August.

Owners will be notified by letter, from 15 November.

Company documents indicate vehicles made after 13 September already have the updated software needed to remedy the issue.

Tesla said it was not aware of any warranty claims, crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the recall.

Tesla shares were down 3.5% on Thursday afternoon trading.

Mr Musk hit out on Twitter after the news broke.

"The terminology is outdated and inaccurate. This is a tiny over-the-air software update. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no injuries," he said.

Both NHTSA and Tesla in documents made public on Thursday referred to the campaign as a recall.