Tesla recalls 1.85 million vehicles over hood latch issue that could increase risk of crash

Tesla is recalling nearly 1.85 million vehicles in the U.S. due to concerns over a hood issue that could cause the vehicle's driver to crash.

The recall pertains to certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall was issued because the affected vehicles' "hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened," the NHTSA said. The federal government agency added that if the Tesla's hood is fully open, it could obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of an accident.

Tesla has released a free over-the-air software update that will detect an open hood and alert drivers, the NHSTA said. Owner notification letters should be mailed out on Sept. 22. Owners can contact Tesla customer service or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline.

Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

Tesla has been investigating hood latch issue since March

The Tesla models a part of the recall were equipped with a hood latch produced in China by Magna Closures Co Ltd.

Tesla has been investigating customer complaints of unprompted hood openings in certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China since March. The company then began a latch hardware recovery and in-service vehicle inspection.

Tesla confirmed three reports of the hood issue in the U.S., but no reports of crashes or injuries have been connected to the recall.

Largest Tesla recall since December 2023

This is the largest recall of Tesla vehicles since December when the automaker recalled 2.03 million U.S. vehicles to install new safeguards in its Autopilot system. Despite Tesla installing the safety features, 20 crashes were reported involving vehicles that had the new Autopilot update, prompting the NHTSA to open a probe that found "several concerns" concerning the recall.

Last month, Tesla voluntarily recalled thousands of its popular Cybertruck models due to windshield wiper malfunction and a trunk bed trim issue.

Contributing: Reuters