tesla touchscreen recall

Tesla Touchscreen Recall

By Nicole Halavi

Tesla has recently issued a recall for nearly 144,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The recall is meant to address touchscreen failures in 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles.

Back in June 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into touchscreen failures in 2012-2015 Model S vehicles. In compliance with the investigation, the automaker supplied documentation including touchscreen complaints, repair invoices, and information about eMMC flash memory devices used for the media control units. However, in November 2020, NHTSA upgraded the touchscreen investigation to include 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles.

NHTSA determined that the touchscreen failures posed a great safety risk because all the features were lost when the screens went black, including the rearview cameras and controls for the wipers, defrosters and hearing and cooling systems. Ultimately, the greatest concern is the lifespan of the touchscreen components as customers complain about losing touchscreen access when the vehicles are less than 4 years old.

The automaker claimed that the above models are equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 3 processors and integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory devices, but these components will wear out based on the number of program/erase cycles. Notably, the automaker stopped using this processor in March 2018 and instead started using the Intel Apollo Lake processor with a 64GB Micron eMMC. Safety regulators learns about almost 8,000 touchscreen warranty claims, almost 5,000 non-warranty touchscreen claims, and nearly 2,400 complaints about touchscreen failures.

Tesla also argues that the eMMC wear condition constitutes neither a defect nor presents an unreasonable risk to safety. The automaker also released several updates to ensure the controls for the exterior lights and chimes will continue to function if the eMMC fails. Tesla claims that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths caused by touchscreen failures because drivers are still able to use the mirrors, look over their shoulders, use the turn signals and manually clear the windshields.

Affected customers should keep an eye out for the Tesla touchscreen recall expected to begin March 30, 2021.

What Can I Do if I’m Driving a Tesla with a Defective Touchscreen?

If you are driving a Tesla that is exhibiting any of the issues discussed above concerning the touchscreen system, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the issues associated with faulty touchscreens and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!

self-driving cars

Self-Driving Cars Lawsuit

By Nicole Halavi

While self-driving cars have revolutionized the concept of driving and car ownership, this new technology still leaves drivers susceptible to crashes. At this point, Tesla’s Model S has allegedly already caused 2 fatalities. Now, Tesla faces a class action lawsuit for its autopilot program, which plaintiffs argue was sold without standard safety features.

Tesla isn’t the only automaker putting unsafe self-driving vehicles on the road: Uber, Google, and General Motors vehicles have also been involved in several crashes. Ultimately, there is doubt concerning the truthfulness of the automakers’ claims that autonomous driving technology is actually safer than the average human driver.

As of November 2018, only 29 states have enacted self-driving car legislation. That is, self-driving cars are being manufactured faster than relevant laws can be enacted. However, the last year has seen a rise in state legislation concerning self-driving cars. In response, the U.S. House and Senate Commerce Committee have passed federal legislation that would give NHTSA the power to oversee the regulation of self-driving cars. However, consumer advocates are concerned as this would increase the number of vehicles exempted from federal regulations.

In May 2016, a Tesla Model S in autopilot mode allegedly failed to avoid a collision with an 18-wheeler in Florida. Apparently, the truck was not detected because of its height and a glare from the sky. As a result, the Tesla driver was killed. In July 2016, Tesla was faced with another lawsuit when the father of a Tesla driver sued after his son was killed in a Tesla Model S crash. Ultimately, customers are arguing that Tesla needs to be more cautious when marketing the autopilot feature and should let owners and potential buyers know that it has defects.

In October 2018, a lawsuit was brought against Tesla when the plaintiff’s Model S was in autopilot mode and crashed into a disabled Ford Fiesta on the roadway at about 80 mph. The suit alleges that customers like the plaintiff were duped by Tesla into believing its autopilot technology could safely transport passengers at high speeds with minimal oversight. Apparently, the Tesla software fails to reliably detect stationary objects.

Moving forward, NHTSA recently recognized the autonomous software in these vehicles as the “driver,” making it more likely that manufacturers will be at fault for car accidents.

What Can I Do if I’ve Been Involved in a Self-Driving Car Accident?

If you are driving a vehicle equipped with autonomous driving technology and you’ve been in an accident, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the issues associated with self-driving technology and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!