Tesla Recalls Model 3 Because Trunk Can Cause Backup Camera to Fail

Tesla has recalled all 356,309 Model 3 vehicles from model years 2017 to 2020 due to a potential failure of the backup camera.

According to Tesla, the repeated opening and closing of the trunklid may cause the car’s backup camera to fail. Tesla claims that because the 2021 models have a different design, they are unaffected.

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Tesla reported that 356,309 Model 3 vehicles are affected in a recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The trunk harness of the car contains a cable that feeds the backup camera, and Tesla claims that excessive opening and closing over time may cause wear on the cable, causing the backup camera’s feed to the infotainment screen to be disrupted.

Obviously, the car can still be driven, and drivers should never rely solely on the backup camera when driving in reverse.

Regardless, Tesla says its service centers will inspect all affected vehicles and either install protection on the harness or replace the harness entirely with the protective guide. Those who addressed the issue prior to the recall notice will be reimbursed, according to Tesla.

Furthermore, Tesla has recalled 119,009 Model S vehicles from the 2014 to 2021 model years due to the possibility of the front trunklid becoming loose. Both recalls will be communicated to owners via letter beginning February 18. Owners in both cases can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is affected.

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