In a significant blow to the electric vehicle giant, Tesla has been forced to issue an urgent recall for thousands of its premium vehicles across Australia. The dramatic move comes after the discovery of a critical fault that could leave drivers struggling to control their cars.
The recall affects a substantial portion of Tesla's luxury fleet, specifically targeting Model S sedans and Model X SUVs manufactured between 2017 and 2020. Australian authorities have classified the defect as potentially catastrophic, warning that it could "increase the risk of a serious injury or death" in extreme circumstances.
The Critical Defect
At the heart of the safety crisis lies a power steering assist problem that could unexpectedly fail while driving. According to the official recall notice, the electronic power assist system (EPAS) may suddenly lose functionality, requiring significantly greater physical effort from the driver to maintain control and steer the vehicle.
This isn't merely an inconvenience—the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has emphasised that the failure could occur without warning, potentially creating dangerous situations particularly at lower speeds where steering effort is typically higher.
Scope of the Recall
The massive safety campaign encompasses:
- Model S vehicles built between 2017 and 2020
- Model X SUVs from the same production period
- Thousands of vehicles across Australian states and territories
- Both privately owned and commercial Tesla vehicles
Owners of affected vehicles are being urged to act immediately rather than wait for formal notification. The recall process involves crucial software updates that Tesla technicians must perform to rectify the potentially life-threatening defect.
Official Response and Next Steps
Tesla Australia has begun directly contacting registered owners of affected vehicles, outlining the necessary steps to address the safety concern. The company has emphasised that the fix involves specialised diagnostic equipment and software updates that cannot be performed remotely or by owners themselves.
The Department of Infrastructure has mandated that all identified vehicles must undergo inspection and repair at authorised Tesla service centres. Vehicle owners have been advised to schedule appointments immediately, with Tesla covering all costs associated with the recall repairs.
This development represents one of the most significant safety actions against Tesla in the Australian market, raising questions about quality control in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle sector. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, affected Tesla owners are being urged to prioritise this safety recall above all other vehicle maintenance concerns.
