Tesla recalls more than 1.6 million cars over steering software issues

Tesla has called for a recall of its S, X, 3 and Y models as well as 7,538 imported vehicles manufactured between October 26, 2022 and November 16, 2023.

This brings a grand total of more than 1.6 million Tesla vehicles to be recalled in China.

Elon Musk's Tesla vehicles were found to have issues with the steering software and 'door unlock logic controls'.

Over 1.6 million Tesla vehicles have been recalled in China / Mark Leong/The Washington Post

China’s regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), stated that Tesla Motors based in Beijing and Shanghai would use remote upgrades to fix the problems and has called for a full vehicle recall.

Therefore, the vehicles wouldn't need to be taken to dealerships or garages to do so.

Explaining the reasoning behind the recall, SAMR highlighted the safety concerns associated with the function.

The SAMR explained: 'For vehicles within the scope of this recall, when the automatic assisted steering function is turned on, the driver may misuse the level two combined assisted driving function, increasing the risk of vehicle collision and posing a safety hazard.'

The SAMR continued: 'In the event of a collision, the non-collision side door latch may detach from the latch, leaving the door in an unlocked state, posing a safety hazard.

'Users are advised to drive the vehicle with caution before the vehicle recall is implemented; after receiving the recall software update notification, upgrade the vehicle software as soon as possible.'

In 2022, nearly 128,000 Tesla vehicles were recalled over a motor inverter defect / Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

This recall closely follows a recent one in the US, affecting over two million Tesla electric vehicles, aimed at improving the driver monitoring system.

Not to mention that a previous two-year investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found defects in the Tesla's autopilot system - after a series of crashes.

Back in 2022, nearly 128,000 Tesla cars were recalled in China over a 'rear motor inverter defect'.

Despite facing challenges and negative headlines, Elon Musk asserts the safety of its Autopilot feature.

But customers have discovered further issues with the vehicles.

Some Tesla customers have reported incidences of the wheels coming off their vehicles whilst driving.

One customer noted that he had to pay $14,000 just one day after driving his new Model Y Tesla. The vehicle's front-right suspension collapsed and parts of the car 'loudly scraped the floor' as he tried to get the car to stop.

Yet, another customer was reportedly locked out of his vehicle where he had to pay $26,000 for a new battery.