#ElonMusk can continue to be smug about these software fixable recalls. When will #Tesla have a major mechanical hardware recall like all other car makers?

https://fortune.com/2024/02/02/elon-musk-tesla-recall-2-2-million-vehicles-safety-lights-too-small/

Is it hard to imagine that Tesla will one day have a substantial hardware only recall? Or will everything, always, be fixable by software patches?

And don’t be surprised that when the time comes, regulators won’t be “kind”. They can be as strict as they want, not to deliberately be difficult, just no reason to be “nice” to Elon.

It is common in automotive industry to have product recalls, here are the key reasons:

  1. Safety Concerns: The primary reason for most recalls is safety-related issues. If a defect or malfunction is discovered that could potentially endanger drivers, passengers, or other road users, automakers initiate recalls to rectify the problem and prevent accidents or injuries.
  2. Quality Control: The complexity of modern vehicles, which contain numerous components and advanced technologies, increases the likelihood of defects. Issues can arise during the manufacturing process or due to faulty parts supplied by third-party vendors. Quality control measures aim to identify and address such problems, but some issues may only become apparent after vehicles are on the market.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Automakers must adhere to strict safety and environmental regulations imposed by government agencies. If a vehicle or component fails to meet these standards, a recall may be necessary to bring the product into compliance.
  4. Proactive Measures: In some cases, automakers voluntarily initiate recalls as a proactive measure to address potential issues before they cause harm. This demonstrates a commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.
  5. Constant Innovation: The automotive industry is continuously evolving, introducing new technologies, features, and designs. With innovation comes the potential for unforeseen problems or challenges that may only become apparent after vehicles are in use by consumers.
  6. Consumer Complaints and Monitoring: Consumer feedback, complaints, and reports from dealerships play a crucial role in identifying potential issues. Automakers actively monitor and investigate these reports to identify patterns or recurring problems that may require a recall.

And most of the top auto makers have had major recalls:

  1. Toyota (2009-2011): Toyota faced a significant recall due to unintended acceleration issues in several models, affecting millions of vehicles worldwide.
  2. General Motors (2014): General Motors recalled millions of vehicles due to faulty ignition switches, which could inadvertently turn off the engine while driving, leading to power loss and disabling safety systems.
  3. Volkswagen (2015): Volkswagen faced a massive recall involving millions of vehicles equipped with “defeat devices” designed to manipulate emissions tests, resulting in excessive nitrogen oxide emissions.
  4. Takata Airbags (2014-2017): Multiple automakers, including Honda, Toyota, BMW, and Ford, recalled millions of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags due to a defect that could cause the airbags to rupture, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
  5. Ford (2020): Ford recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles, including the popular Ford Explorer, due to a suspension issue that could affect steering control and increase the risk of accidents.
  6. Hyundai and Kia (2018): Hyundai and Kia recalled millions of vehicles due to engine defects that could cause stalling or engine fires, impacting various models.

Not saying that Tesla can’t be better than the rest, but can’t just expect it to have zero hardware issue forever. But Elon Musk might be too abrasive to handle these when the time comes.