Tesla recalls 130,000 U.S. vehicles for malfunctioning center displays during fast charging

WASHINGTON — Tesla Inc. is recalling nearly 130,000 electric vehicles in the U.S. because the infotainment central processing unit may overheat during fast charging, causing the center display to lag or appear blank.

The recall covers 2021-22 Model S and X vehicles and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating with certain firmware releases, according to a safety recall report submitted May 3 to NHTSA.

During fast charging, or in preparation of fast charging, the infotainment processor "may not cool sufficiently to prevent higher than expected temperatures," affecting the center display, according to the report.

If the center display lags or appears blank, it may also cause the rearview camera display, windshield visibility control settings, drive modes (i.e., Drive, Neutral or Reverse) and other warning lights to be unavailable, potentially increasing the risk of a crash, the report said.

Tesla told U.S. auto safety regulators that it is aware of 59 warranty claims and 59 field reports in the U.S. related to the recall. It is not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths.

Automakers and other manufacturers are required to submit a safety recall to NHTSA for any repair, including software updates, that remedies an unreasonable risk to safety, the agency said. Those companies also are required to submit any communications to owners, dealers and others about any software updates that address a defect, whether it is safety-related or not.

The automaker did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Automotive News.

To fix the issue, Tesla is deploying an over-the-air firmware update to improve the management of the processor's temperature and "associated communications with elevated temperature operation."

Tesla stores and service centers were notified starting Friday. Vehicle owners will be notified via mail starting July 1.

Since January, Tesla has issued 11 recalls affecting nearly 2.3 million vehicles, according to NHTSA data. Some of those vehicles are part of more than one recall campaign.