China has issued a recall of 1.1 million Tesla vehicles in the country due to an accelerator pedal issue that could potentially lead to accidents. The recall affects Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured between September 2013 and January 2018.
The issue with the accelerator pedal is related to a potential defect in the software that controls the vehicle’s acceleration. In some cases, the software may cause the vehicle to accelerate suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall was announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Friday, February 5th, 2021. Tesla has confirmed that it will comply with the recall and work with Chinese regulators to address the issue.
This is not the first time that Tesla has faced issues with its vehicles in China. In 2019, the company faced a similar recall of Model S vehicles due to issues with the suspension system. The company also faced criticism from Chinese consumers over its handling of customer complaints and concerns about vehicle safety.
The recall comes at a time when Tesla is facing increased scrutiny from regulators and consumers around the world. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles after reports of sudden acceleration incidents.
Tesla has also faced criticism over its Autopilot system, which has been involved in several high-profile accidents in recent years. The company has defended the system, saying that it is designed to assist drivers and not replace them.
Despite these challenges, Tesla remains one of the most valuable automakers in the world, with a market capitalization of over $800 billion. The company has continued to expand its operations in China, where it recently began production at its new factory in Shanghai.
The recall of 1.1 million Tesla vehicles in China is a significant setback for the company, but it also highlights the importance of addressing safety issues in the automotive industry. As more vehicles become connected and autonomous, ensuring their safety will be a critical challenge for automakers and regulators alike.
