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Over 1M Teslas recalled because windows can pinch fingers
- 1thrasher 4y ago"Recalled" feels like the wrong term here given it can be fixed via an over-the-air software update. That is, there should be a distinction between a recall that must be completed by a technician and a software problem that can be fixed in the next the update.
- mwint 4y agoThere was some kerfluffle a while back where Tesla fixed some mundane thing in an OTA, something like a radio volume bug, without filing a recall, and the NTSB got all irritated. They said something like “all changes are fixing defects, so you have to file a recall” I was so hoping Tesla would put some intern on a project to automatically submit every commit to the car code as a recall. Not sure how all that shook out in the end.
- elmerfud 4y agoCan't all windows pinch fingers? I don't buy new cars but automatic windows have been a thing since the 70's (maybe late 60's). Even ones with express up/down. Was there a obstruction detection and reversal mechanism mandatory at some point? I have never had a car with such a thing. My 2006 escalade has no such thing. All power windows that I've ever seen can pinch your fingers. When windows roll up they stop due to physical resistance of the door frame or a stop block for coupes. Thus putting your fingers there hurts but it doesn't cause a reversing action. You just tell yell and push the button the other way. The force to stop a window going up is pretty small unlikely to break bones until they're very small or very brittle. Maybe some bruising but probably not for most people.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- jen20 4y agoPower windows have existed since 1940, and electric since 1956. In the US at least, safety legislation was watered down, but 2008-9 was the year they were last seriously revised and they appear to now require obstruction detection hence this recall. The problem is not that your finger might hurt for a second but that a child's neck could be caught while they have their own finger on the switch - part of the reason most cars have a switch to disable operation of windows other than that of the driver.
- Someone 4y agohttps://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF (Linked to from the article): “Affected vehicles may not meet certain automatic window reversal system requirements in FMVSS 118, Section 5 (automatic reversal systems). When closing in circumstances subject to FMVSS 118, Section 5, the window may exert more force than Section 5 permits before retracting. The window may also retract less than the distance required under Section 5” So, yes, there is a requirement to have obstruction detection and reversal mechanisms.
- nbevans 4y agoTesla is the only car brand where such a minor recall (that can be fixed via an OTA update) results in a news article by a major news distributor. Meanwhile my 2007 Mercedes C-class literally rusted through its rear subframe and suspension arms were hanging off. It could have failed catastrophically at high speed. Not detected by any MOTs (yearly vehicle inspections). No recall - officially, but unofficially they repaired my vehicle for free because they recognise it's a major liability issue. Recognised as a multi-year manufacturing defect on the model.
- ThePowerOfFuet 4y ago>(that can be fixed via an OTA update) Are you sure about that?
- bottlepalm 4y agoHaving the word ‘Tesla’ or ‘Elon’ in the title is like guaranteed clicks for news sites.
- axg11 4y agoA less cynical take: this is a consequence of Elon's profile. He has 100M followers and is one of the most "interesting" people on Earth. Tesla is an extension of Elon and is viewed as the impetus for ushering in a new age of electric vehicles. Of course there will be more interest and scrutiny.
- Kukumber 4y ago