Tesla is recalling 218,868 vehicles in the United States after a software defect caused delayed rear‑view camera images, a safety issue that could increase the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Wednesday.
The NHTSA said the defect affects the rear‑view camera display in certain Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles. When the affected cars are shifted into reverse, the camera feed may be delayed, reducing the driver’s visibility of obstacles behind the vehicle. The agency’s notice did not disclose the specific model‑year range, but the recall applies to a substantial portion of Tesla’s fleet in the United States.
Tesla has responded by issuing an over‑the‑air software update that corrects the timing of the camera feed. Owners of the recalled vehicles will receive a notification through the company’s mobile app and are urged to install the update promptly. The automaker has not indicated any plans for a physical service recall, stating that the software fix resolves the issue without the need for dealer intervention.
The recall follows a recent NHTSA investigation that concluded in May. The agency closed a probe into approximately 2.6 million Tesla vehicles after determining that a remote‑movement feature, which allowed cars to be moved without a driver, was linked only to low‑speed incidents and did not pose a broader safety threat.
Rear‑view cameras are mandatory safety equipment on new passenger vehicles in the United States, and delayed images can impede a driver’s ability to judge distances and avoid collisions when backing up. The NHTSA’s action underscores the regulator’s ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s software‑driven safety systems.
Tesla’s recall comes amid heightened regulatory attention on the company’s advanced driver‑assistance technologies, including its Autopilot and Full Self‑Driving (FSD) features. While the rear‑view camera issue is isolated to specific models, it adds to a series of recent safety notices involving the automaker.
Vehicle owners who have received a recall notice should schedule the software update as soon as possible. The NHTSA advises drivers to remain vigilant when reversing, especially until the fix is confirmed. The agency will continue to monitor compliance and may pursue further action if the defect is not remedied in a timely manner.
