Tesla recalls over 120,000 vehicles in the US due to door latch issue

Photo: Tesla

Tesla is facing another recall in the US. This latest one affects 120,423 Model S and X vehicles produced from 2021 to 2023. The problem is that the doors may unlock and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury and violating a federal safety standard. Tesla has already fixed the issue with a free over-the-air update and owner notification letters are expected to go out in February.

This recall comes on the heels of another one that involved more than two million EVs with Autopilot safety issues. Tesla also addressed that problem with a free OTA update that added more controls and alerts to ensure driver attention.

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Tesla might be working on an Apple Music integration

Tesla might be integrating the Apple Music app into its vehicle software soon. The app was spotted in prototype Tesla vehicles on display at the Petersen Museum, a car museum in Los Angeles that currently has an exhibit in partnership with the car maker. The Apple Music app appears to be fully functional, but it isn't available to customers yet.

Tesla usually has a big "holiday update" in late November or December with a big feature drop, so that could be part of the announcement.

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Tesla plans to disable in-dash video games while cars are in motion

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Following pressure from US auto safety regulators, Tesla accedes to releasing a software update that prevents passengers from playing games on the centre console while the car is in motion. The announcement was made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a day after the agency announced it was launching a formal investigation into distracted driving concerns about Tesla's in-dash video games. Some of the games were still playable even while the cars were being driven.

Tesla is known for not having a media relations department, so there is no comment coming through from them. Even with the update, the NHTSA still plans to investigate the feature.

Source: The Guardian

Tesla axes referral programs for cars, solar panels

You can no longer get Supercharging miles from your referrals of Tesla's vehicles and solar panels. A notice on the company's site states: "vehicle products and solar panels are no longer eligible for Referral awards" as of September 18. The only active referral program is for the Solar Roof, which gives referrers monetary rewards of up to US$500 and free Powerwalls.

With these programs axed, it isn't clear if the company will fulfill some of its bigger promises to referrers. Those promised Roadsters still haven't gotten them, and people have been complaining in online forums about not receiving free Powerwalls and other rewards from years ago.

Source: Engadget