WASHINGTON — Tesla has issued a recall for nearly 26,700 vehicles in the United States over a software error that could slow windshield defrosting, posing a safety risk.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents posted Wednesday, the automaker said the recall includes some 2021 and 2022 Model 3, S and X vehicles, as well as certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.
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“A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance,” the documents said, adding that the issue “may reduce the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Tesla said it will perform a free, over-the-air software update to fix the problem, The Associated Press reported. The automaker hasn’t received any reports of injuries or crashes related to the issue, according to the AP.
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The news comes about a week after the automaker recalled nearly 54,000 vehicles over issues with its full self-driving software and more than 817,000 vehicles over faulty seat belt reminder chimes. Tesla has issued 14 recalls since January 2021, the AP reported.
Tesla owners who have questions about the recall should call the company’s customer service department at 1-877-798-3752.
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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