Tesla Replaces Defective Repeater Cameras in Model S, X, and 3 Vehicles

Tesla is replacing repeater cameras in the front fenders of at least several hundred Model S, X and 3 vehicles made in Fremont, California, although the company has not yet initiated a voluntary recall, according to internal service documents the company distributed in late November, CNBC reported on Tuesday.

Internal communications revealed that the repeater cameras on some Model S, X and 3 vehicles made by Tesla in the U.S. have faulty printed circuit boards (PCBs) inside. A defective PCB can lead to the cameras losing “electrical continuity” and failing well before the cameras could be reasonably expected to need an upgrade or replacement.

Repeater cameras, which are positioned below and slightly in front of the side view mirrors in the front fenders of some Tesla vehicles, enable driver assistance features like autopilot, navigate on autopilot and smart summon, for example. They also provide drivers with visibility of what’s happening in their car’s blind spots.

Since Tesla has identified an issue with PCBs in the repeater cameras, owners of affected vehicles could be eligible to receive a “goodwill” repair, according to a current Tesla sales manager and a former parts manager. A goodwill repair is done on the company’s dime, versus a repair where the customer pays or a warranty agreement that obligates Tesla to provide the repair.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation issued a document on December 3 saying that Tesla (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. recently filed a recall plan with the state regulator in accordance with regulations and implementation measures. According to the recall plan, from December 3, Tesla will recall some Model Y electric vehicles (EVs) produced in China from February 4, 2021 to October 30, 2021 – a total of 21,599 vehicles.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Recalls 21,599 Model Ys in China Due to Potential Risks in Suspension Rod