Tesla recalls over 125,000 vehicles over issue with seat belt warning system

Tesla has recalled more than 125,000 vehicles over an issue with its seat belt warning system, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a report Tuesday.

The seat belt warning system should send visual and audible signals to drivers when they aren't belted in, but in some vehicles they may not go off as intended, according to documents released by the NHTSA. The issue will be addressed via an over-the-air (OTA) software update, the carmakers says.

Tesla has not been made aware of any collisions, injuries or fatalities related to its defect seat belt warning system.

According to federal vehicle safety standards, the visual warning should last at least a minute and the audible at least four seconds.

Recalled models

Vehicles affected by the recall include:

• 2012-2024 Model S vehicles
• 2015-2024 Model X vehicles
• 2017-2023 Model 3 vehicles
• 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles

Tesla states the software will be fixed in all vehicles by the end of June of this year.

What vehicle owners need to know

Tesla will release an OTA software update. No action is necessary from owners whose vehicles are equipped with the upcoming software release, Tesla states.

"The software remedy will remove dependency on the driver seat occupancy switch from the software logic and only rely on driver seat belt buckle and ignition status to activate the seat belt reminder signals," according to the NHTSA report.

If you are in possession of an affected vehicle, you will receive a letter in the mail. All letters will be mailed out by July 27, 2024.

Owners can contact Tesla at 1-877-798-3752 with any questions. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.nhtsa.gov for more information.

Browse USA TODAY's automotive recall database here.

NHTSA seeks records from Tesla in power steering loss probe

The NHTSA said on Wednesday it is seeking records from Tesla in its investigation into Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over power steering loss reports.

The auto safety regulator, which upgraded its investigation in February, said in a letter to Tesla dated Tuesday that it wants Tesla's records by July 24 about the steering components.

The request includes Tesla's process for identifying problems and creating solutions for potential defects. The agency also wants to know whether Tesla has made any changes to power steering components or plans any in the next four months.

Contributing: David Shepardson (Reuters)