Tesla controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2026
Tesla renames FSD to 'Assisted Driving' in Europe after German regulator's misleading-name comment
Tesla has renamed its 'Full Self-Driving (Supervised)' (FSD) system to 'Assisted Driving' in Europe, after a German regulator said the brand name was 'somewhat misleading'. The report also says Tesla had pressed European regulators, especially in the Netherlands, for quick approval, and that in some cases this pressure led regulators to ease safety testing and scrutiny of the company's technology.
Source excerpt
特斯拉已将其“Full Self-Driving （Supervised）”（即FSD）系统在欧洲的品牌名改为“Assisted Driving”（辅助驾驶），此前德国监管机构称该品牌名“有些误导性”
Elon Musk 's automaker Tesla has changed the brand name of its "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," or FSD, system in Europe to "Assisted Driving" after German regulators called the branding "somewhat misleading."
On Tuesday, the German Federal Ministry of Transport , known as the BMV, said in a statement that Tesla's brand name "FSD" was "somewhat misleading,"
2026
Tesla worker alleges company turned accommodation into exit door
Issue disclosure
A Tesla worker has publicly alleged that the company turned a workplace accommodation into an 'exit door' out of their job, according to the article headline; the supplied source contains no further details on the date, the individual, or any Tesla response.
Source excerpt
Tesla worker says company turned accommodation into an exit door
2026
NHTSA opens audit query into Tesla Cybercab federal safety compliance
Investigation
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an audit query after Tesla's Cybercab launch in Austin, Texas, to make sure the vehicles comply with federal safety standards. NHTSA originally ordered Tesla to respond by Sept. 30 to a long list of safety questions, but the company obtained an extension. No significant safety incidents or collisions involving a Cybercab have been reported in Austin since the commercial debut.
Source excerpt
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a so-called audit query after the Cybercab launch to make sure the vehicles comply with federal safety standards.
2026
Tesla Cybercab draws mixed reviews and passenger complaints in first month of Austin robotaxi service
Issue disclosure
In the month after Tesla's Cybercab launched commercial driverless ride-hail service in Austin, Texas on Sept. 3, 2026, the vehicles received mixed reviews from paying passengers, with criticisms including lengthy wait times, pickups and drop-offs in the wrong place, and technical difficulties with the butterfly doors or trunk closing improperly. No significant safety incidents or collisions involving a Cybercab have been reported in Austin since the commercial debut, but first responders expressed concerns about dealing with the vehicle's lack of manual driving controls and its unique doors.
Source excerpt
Reviews of the Cybercab in Austin have been mixed, with some paying passengers complaining of long wait times and drop-offs in the wrong place.
Criticisms have included lengthy wait times , pickups and drop-offs in the wrong place, and technical difficulties with the vehicles' butterfly doors o r trunk closing improperly.
No significant safety incidents or collisions have been reported in Austin involving a Cybercab since the commercial debut. But first responders have expressed concerns about dealing with the Cybercab's lack of manual driving controls and its unique doors.
2026
Safety group urges EU to reject Tesla FSD over speed offset
Issue disclosure
A safety group urged EU regulators to reject Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, citing a speed offset concern. The event was reported as a controversy note regarding Tesla. The source states that the safety group's call was based on the speed offset issue.
Source excerpt
Safety group urges EU to reject Tesla FSD over speed offset
2026
Dutch regulator RDW says no Tesla recall in Europe, monitoring door issue
Investigation
The Dutch vehicle regulator RDW stated that there is currently no recall of Tesla cars in Europe over concerns that doors may be difficult to open in an emergency. The RDW, which serves as the key regulator overseeing the safety of Tesla cars in Europe, said it is monitoring the issue. It declined to comment on whether it is considering or investigating a recall, stating only that no recall exists at present.
The Dutch vehicle regulator RDW said there is currently no recall of Tesla cars in Europe over concerns that doors may be difficult to open in an emergency. The RDW, the key regulator overseeing the safety of Tesla cars in Europe, said it is monitoring the issue but declined to comment on whether it is considering or investigating a recall, only that there is none at present.
Source excerpt
AMSTERDAM — The Dutch vehicle regulator RDW said there is currently no recall of Tesla cars in Europe over concerns that doors may be difficult to open in an emergency.
The RDW is the key regulator overseeing the safety of Tesla cars in Europe. The agency said it is monitoring the issue but declined to comment on whether it is considering or investigating a recall, only that there is none at present.
2026
Nine carmakers recall 4.3 million vehicles in China over door-release concerns
Recall announced
Nine carmakers, including Tesla, Xiaomi and Leapmotor, said they would fix a combined 4.3 million vehicles in China due to concerns that emergency buttons or levers allowing occupants to manually open a door can be hard to find. The fix involves clearer labels on door-release mechanisms and over-the-air software updates that lower windows in an emergency.
Nine carmakers including Tesla, Xiaomi and Leapmotor said they would fix a combined 4.3 million vehicles in China due to concerns that emergency buttons or levers allowing occupants to manually open a door can be hard to find. The fix involves clearer labels on door-release mechanisms and over-the-air software updates that lower windows in an emergency.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Source excerpt
carmakers will fix the issue by attaching clearer labels to the door-release mechanisms and deploying over-the-air software updates that will lower windows in an emergency.
2026
Tesla and eight Chinese EV makers announce 4.3 million vehicle recall in China
Recall announced
Tesla and eight Chinese electric vehicle makers announced fixes affecting a combined 4.3 million vehicles in China, described as the country's largest-ever automotive recall. The action was prompted by safety concerns involving emergency door-release mechanisms. The recall covered 2.98 million Teslas.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Source excerpt
China last week ordered its largest ever car recall, covering 4.3 million vehicles and 2.98 million Teslas, over worries that emergency door-release mechanisms can be difficult to locate or operate after a crash.
2026
Tesla recalls nearly 3 million vehicles in China over door-handle issue
Recall announced
Tesla issued the largest-ever product recall in mainland China's EV market, calling back 2.98 million vehicles, including Shanghai-made Model 3s and Model Ys and imported cars, over a door-handle issue, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulation. From September 25, Tesla will add warning labels to internal door handles and conduct an over-the-air update to window-control software that lowers windows after a collision.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
The company will call back a total of 2.98 million vehicles, including Shanghai-made Model 3s and Model Ys as well as other cars imported from the United States, according to a statement issued by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on Friday.
Remediation — Tesla
Source excerpt
The company will call back a total of 2.98 million vehicles, including Shanghai-made Model 3s and Model Ys as well as other cars imported from the United States, according to a statement issued by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on Friday.
Tesla has issued the largest-ever product recall in mainland China’s electric vehicle (EV) market, as Elon Musk’s firm pledges to fix a door-handle issue affecting nearly 3 million cars.
2026
China recalls 4.3 million vehicles over hidden door handles
Recall announced
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced the country's largest automotive recall, covering 4.3 million vehicles from nine brands, over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency. The remedy is installation of high-visibility warning labels and software updates to automatically lower windows after a crash. Chinese-made Tesla vehicles accounted for 2.98 million of the recalled cars; other affected brands include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (Zeekr and Lynk & Co), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng and FAW Group (Hongqi).
Company response
Recall — State Administration for Market Regulation
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced last week (August 21, 2026) the largest automotive recall in the country’s history over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency.
Source excerpt
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced last week (August 21, 2026) the largest automotive recall in the country’s history over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency.
According to report by and Channel News Asia, 4.3 million vehicles from nine brands are involved in the recall, with the remedy being the installation of high-visibility warning labels as well as software updates to automatically lower windows after a crash.
Chinese-made Tesla vehicles accounted for the majority of that combined total, with 2.98 million cars involved in the recall. Other brands with affected vehicles include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (for Zeekr and Lynk & Co models), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng and FAW Group (for Hongqi models).
2026
Tesla recalls 2,975,910 vehicles in China over emergency door release
Recall announced
Tesla recalled 2,975,910 vehicles in China after the State Administration for Market Regulation found the emergency mechanical door release difficult to identify and operate because it matches the interior trim color too closely. The recall covers 973,156 China-built Model 3s, 1,956,713 Model Ys, 35,590 imported Model 3s, 8,328 imported Model Xs, and 2,123 imported Model S vehicles. Tesla plans to address it with warning labels and an over-the-air update that lowers windows automatically after a collision.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
On Monday, the company recalled 2,975,910 vehicles in the country over Tesla's emergency mechanical door release, which the Chinese regulator found difficult to identify and operate.
Remediation — Tesla
The company plans to solve it with warning labels, as well as an over-the-air update that makes the car's windows lower automatically after a collision.
Source excerpt
On Monday, the company recalled 2,975,910 vehicles in the country over Tesla's emergency mechanical door release, which the Chinese regulator found difficult to identify and operate.
In total, 973,156 China-built Model 3s, and 1,956,713 Model Ys were recalled, alongside 35,590 imported Model 3s, 8,328 imported Model Xs, and 2,123 imported Model S vehicles.
The company plans to solve it with warning labels, as well as an over-the-air update that makes the car's windows lower automatically after a collision.
2026
Tesla and eight other automakers announce record 4.3 million vehicle recall in China
Recall announced
Tesla and eight other automakers announced a recall of about 4.3 million vehicles in China over emergency door handles that may be hard to open in crashes, the country's largest automotive recall. Tesla's recall covers 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles from Sept 25, with remedies including warning labels and remote software updates that automatically lower windows after a collision. Xiaomi will recall about 390,000 vehicles, Leapmotor about 371,000 and Xpeng about 264,000.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Tesla and eight other automakers will recall about 4.3 million vehicles in China due to emergency door handles that may be hard to open in crashes.
Remediation — Tesla
Tesla’s remedy includes warning labels and an update delivered remotely that automatically lowers vehicle windows after a collision.
Source excerpt
Tesla and eight other automakers will recall about 4.3 million vehicles in China due to emergency door handles that may be hard to open in crashes.
It concerns 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles to be recalled from Sept 25, the company told the State Administration for Market Regulation, according to the regulator’s statement.
2026
China's largest-ever car recall campaign over emergency door handles
Recall announced
On August 21, 2026, eleven carmakers including Tesla and Xiaomi launched software updates and vehicle recalls in China, in the country's largest-ever automotive recall campaign. The action addressed concerns that emergency mechanical door release handles may be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies. Tesla will recall 2.98 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles from September 25. The remedy consists of warning labels and an OTA update that automatically lowers vehicle windows after a collision.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Remediation — Tesla
Tesla’s remedy includes warning labels and an OTA update that automatically lowers vehicle windows after a collision.
Source excerpt
Eleven carmakers, including Tesla and Xiaomi, launched software updates and vehicle recalls on Friday (Aug 21), the companies said, in China’s largest-ever automotive recall campaign, as regulators tighten scrutiny of emergency door-release systems in electric vehicles (EVs).
Most of the actions, classified as product recalls under Chinese regulations, address concerns that emergency mechanical door release handles may be difficult to locate or operate during emergencies.
2026
Tesla and 10 other automakers recall nearly 4.3 million vehicles in China over hidden door handles
Recall announced
Tesla and 10 other automakers recalled nearly 4.3 million vehicles in China over concerns that hidden door handles may be difficult to open in an emergency, the country's largest automotive recall to date. Tesla's portion covers nearly 3 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles; the company said it will install warning labels free of charge, and many manufacturers are also issuing software fixes that automatically lower windows after a collision.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Tesla and 10 other automakers have recalled nearly 4.3 million vehicles in China over concerns that hidden door handles may be difficult to open in an emergency
Remediation — Tesla
The company has said it will install warning labels, free of charge, to identify the handles.
Source excerpt
Tesla and 10 other automakers have recalled nearly 4.3 million vehicles in China over concerns that hidden door handles may be difficult to open in an emergency
Tesla is being hit hardest by this recall, as it impacts nearly 3 million imported and China-made Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles.
The company has said it will install warning labels, free of charge, to identify the handles.
2026
Tesla and other Chinese automakers recall vehicles over hidden emergency door releases
Recall announced
Eleven automakers in China issued related recalls addressing the same hidden emergency door release problem, with nine manufacturers, including Tesla, agreeing to install warning labels helping occupants locate the releases. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely-owned brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. were among the other manufacturers issuing recalls; eight other automakers including Leapmotor, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark and FAW filed recalls with China's market regulator on the same day. More than 4 million vehicles in total were affected across the full scope of the crackdown.
Company response
Recall — Xiaomi
Remediation — Tesla
Source excerpt
11 automakers in China issued related recalls addressing the same hidden emergency door release problem, with nine manufacturers, including Tesla, agreeing to install warning labels helping occupants locate the releases. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely-owned brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. were among the other manufacturers issuing recalls.
eight other automakers filed recalls with China's market regulator on the same day for the identical interior-release problem, including Leapmotor, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark and FAW
2026
Tesla recalls 2.976 million vehicles in China over emergency door handle issue
Recall announced
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced a recall plan by nine automakers, including Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor, XPeng, Geely, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC and FAW, covering more than 4 million vehicles due to issues with interior emergency mechanical door handles. Tesla's recall is the largest at 2.976 million vehicles, covering domestically produced Model 3 and Model Y as well as imported Model 3, Model X and Model S. The handles are similar in color to the interior, making them hard to identify and operate, which in extreme cases such as a severe collision causing low-voltage system failure could hinder occupants' escape and outside rescue. Tesla's remedies are to affix free warning labels at the emergency handle positions and to release an OTA software update adding an automatic window-lowering strategy after accidents. Tesla China customer service said not all owners need to visit a service center; stickers are expected to reach service centers by end of September and can be collected over a three-year implementation period, with the recall formally starting September 25, 2026.
Company response
Recall — 特斯拉
召回工作自 2026 年 9 月 25 日起正式实施
Remediation — 特斯拉
特斯拉的解决方案包括两项措施：一是在车内应急机械拉手位置免费加贴警示标识；二是通过 OTA 远程升级车窗控制软件，增加事故后自动降窗策略。
Clarification — 特斯拉中国官方客服
特斯拉中国官方客服回应称无需全部进店，而是采取分级处理方式。
Source excerpt
其中特斯拉召回数量最多，达 297.6 万辆，涵盖国产 Model 3、Model Y 及进口 Model 3、Model X、Model S 等车型。
此次大规模召回源于车内应急机械拉手与内饰颜色接近，不易识别和操作。当发生严重碰撞导致整车低压系统失效等极端情形时，可能影响驾乘人员快速开启车门逃生和车外人员救援。
国家市场监管总局昨日发布公告，特斯拉、小米、零跑、小鹏、吉利、奇瑞、东风、北汽、一汽 9 家车企因车内应急机械拉手相关问题备案召回计划，涉及总量超 400 万辆车。
2026
Tesla recalls over 2.74 million China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over driver attention monitoring
Recall announced
Tesla (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. filed a recall plan with China's State Administration for Market Regulation (recall number S2026M0039I), recalling 2,740,642 China-made Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles produced between March 4, 2019 and December 7, 2025. In the affected vehicles, when the combined driver assistance system is active, the existing attention monitoring mechanism is insufficient to alert the driver to eyes-off-road conditions, which may increase collision risk if the driver does not intervene promptly. Tesla will provide a free over-the-air software upgrade that adds in-cabin camera monitoring on top of existing steering-wheel torque monitoring; vehicles unable to receive the OTA upgrade will be handled through Tesla service centers.
Stated objective. to reduce the possible increased collision risk and eliminate the safety hazard
Company response
Recall — 特斯拉(上海)有限公司
向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划
Remediation — 特斯拉(上海)有限公司
特斯拉(上海)有限公司将通过汽车远程升级(OTA)技术，为召回范围内的车辆免费升级软件，以降低可能增加的碰撞风险。
Source excerpt
特斯拉(上海)有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
召回编号S2026M0039I：自即日起，召回2019年3月4日至2025年12月7日期间生产的部分国产Model 3、Model Y电动汽车，共计2740642辆。
2026
Tesla China recalls domestic and imported Model 3, Model Y, Model X and Model S vehicles
Recall announced
Tesla (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Tesla Motors (Beijing) Co., Ltd. filed recall plans with China's State Administration for Market Regulation. From September 25, 2026, they will recall 973,156 domestically produced Model 3 vehicles and 1,956,713 domestically produced Model Y vehicles, plus 35,590 imported Model 3, 8,328 imported Model X and 2,123 imported Model S vehicles, because the emergency mechanical door release handle is similar in color to the interior and hard to identify and operate, which may hinder escape or rescue in extreme crashes. Separately, effective immediately, Tesla (Shanghai) recalls 2,740,642 domestically produced Model 3 and Model Y vehicles because the attention monitoring mechanism may not adequately warn drivers whose gaze leaves the road while the combined driver-assistance system is engaged, increasing collision risk. Remedies are free warning labels and OTA software upgrades.
Company response
Recall — 特斯拉（上海）有限公司
日前，特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
Remediation — 特斯拉（上海）有限公司
特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司将免费为召回范围内的车辆加贴警示标识；并通过汽车远程升级（OTA）技术升级车窗控制软件，增加事故后降窗策略，以降低安全隐患。
Source excerpt
日前，特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
本次召回范围内的车辆，由于车内应急机械拉手与内饰颜色接近，不易识别和操作。当发生严重碰撞导致整车低压系统失效等极端情形时，可能影响驾乘人员快速开启车门逃生和车外人员救援，存在安全隐患。
本次召回范围内的车辆，在辅助转向功能开启、车辆进入组合驾驶辅助系统状态下，现有注意力监测机制不足以为驾驶员提供视线脱离提示，若驾驶员不及时干预可能增加碰撞风险，存在安全隐患。
2026
Tesla recalls nearly 4.7 million Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China over mechanical door handle and driver-assistance safety hazards
Recall announced
Tesla (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Tesla Motors (Beijing) Co., Ltd. filed recall plans with China's State Administration for Market Regulation. Recall S2026M0098V covers 973,156 domestically produced Model 3 vehicles built from March 4, 2019 to April 29, 2026 and 1,956,713 domestically produced Model Y vehicles built from November 16, 2020 to April 30, 2026; recall S2026M0099V covers 35,590 imported Model 3, 8,328 imported Model X and 2,123 imported Model S vehicles, effective September 25, 2026. The emergency mechanical door release handles are similar in color to the interior and hard to identify and operate, which in extreme cases such as a severe collision disabling the low-voltage system could hinder occupants from quickly opening doors to escape and rescuers from assisting. Tesla will affix warning labels free of charge and upgrade window control software via OTA to add a post-accident window-lowering strategy. Recall S2026M0039I, effective immediately, covers 2,740,642 domestically produced Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built from March 4, 2019 to December 7, 2025, because the existing attention-monitoring mechanism does not sufficiently alert drivers when their gaze leaves the road while combined driver assistance is engaged, potentially increasing collision risk; Tesla will upgrade software free of charge via OTA, adding in-cabin camera monitoring on top of steering-wheel torque monitoring, with service centers handling vehicles that cannot be upgraded OTA.
Stated objective. to eliminate safety hazards
Company response
Recall — 特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司
特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
Remediation — 特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司
特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司将免费为召回范围内的车辆加贴警示标识；并通过汽车远程升级（OTA）技术升级车窗控制软件，增加事故后降窗策略，以降低安全隐患。
Remediation — 特斯拉（上海）有限公司
特斯拉（上海）有限公司将通过汽车远程升级（OTA）技术，为召回范围内的车辆免费升级软件，以降低可能增加的碰撞风险。
Source excerpt
特斯拉（上海）有限公司、特斯拉汽车（北京）有限公司根据《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例》《缺陷汽车产品召回管理条例实施办法》的要求，向国家市场监督管理总局备案了召回计划。
本次召回范围内的车辆，由于车内应急机械拉手与内饰颜色接近，不易识别和操作。当发生严重碰撞导致整车低压系统失效等极端情形时，可能影响驾乘人员快速开启车门逃生和车外人员救援，存在安全隐患。
本次召回范围内的车辆，在辅助转向功能开启、车辆进入组合驾驶辅助系统状态下，现有注意力监测机制不足以为驾驶员提供视线脱离提示，若驾驶员不及时干预可能增加碰撞风险，存在安全隐患。
2026
NHTSA announces multiple vehicle safety recalls
Recall announced
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a series of safety recalls affecting passenger cars, electric vehicles, commercial buses, and heavy trucks. The recalls include Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Rivian R1S and R1T, Toyota Camry Hybrid and BZ Woodland, Blue Bird school buses, Thomas Built Buses, Volvo and Mack trucks, and other vehicles. Repairs are to be performed free of charge at dealerships.
Company response
Recall — Tesla, Inc.
Tesla, Inc. (Recall 26V507): Affects 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 and 2020–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles due to low beam headlights that may be too bright, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108.
Recall — Rivian Automotive, LLC
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Recall 26V508): Involves 2025–2026 Rivian R1S and R1T models where front exterior turn signals may fail, breaching FMVSS 108 requirements.
Recall — Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Recall 26V511 & 26V512): Recalls apply to the 2025–2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid for a potential blank instrument cluster display (violating FMVSS 101, 108, 114, and 208) and the 2026 Toyota BZ Woodland for deactivated Electronic Stability Control, non-compliant with FMVSS 126.
Recall — Blue Bird Body Company
Blue Bird Body Company (Recalls 26V519 & 26V520): Covers 2023–2027 Blue Bird Vision School Buses, 2021–2024 and 2026–2027 Vision School Buses (Electric), and 2023–2027 Vision Transit Buses. Damaged wiring in these models may disrupt critical safety functions.
Source excerpt
Tesla, Inc. (Recall 26V507): Affects 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 and 2020–2023 Tesla Model Y vehicles due to low beam headlights that may be too bright, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108.
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Recall 26V508): Involves 2025–2026 Rivian R1S and R1T models where front exterior turn signals may fail, breaching FMVSS 108 requirements.
2026
Tesla recalls headlamps on up to 20,000 vehicles
Recall announced
Tesla is recalling the headlamps on up to 20,000 vehicles because the low-beam output may exceed the allowed intensity in certain areas. Potentially affected models are 2020-2023 Model Ys and 2017-2023 Model 3s made between July 2017 and December 2023, with most involved vehicles being Model Ys.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Source excerpt
The potentially affected models are 2020-'23 Model Ys and 2017-'23 Model 3s made between July 2017 and December 2023.
2026
Tesla recalls 20,349 vehicles over overly bright low-beam headlights
Recall announced
Tesla recalled 20,349 vehicles because low-beam headlights might be extremely bright, possibly lowering visibility for other drivers and increasing crash risk. The recall covers certain Model Year 2017–2023 Model 3 and Model Year 2020–2023 Model Y vehicles that may have been manufactured or later serviced with the affected component with a supplier manufacture date of June 2, 2023, or later. Owners will receive notification letters by mail and all Tesla dealerships and service centers will be notified.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Tesla recalled 20,349 vehicles because of low-beam headlights that might be extremely bright, possibly lowering visibility for drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Source excerpt
recall covers certain Model Year ("MY") 2017 – 2023 Model 3 and MY 2020 – 2023 Model Y vehicles that may have been manufactured or later serviced with the component described below with a supplier manufacture date of June 2, 2023, or later.
Owners of the recalled Tesla’s will receive notification letters by mail and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials noted that all Tesla dealerships and service centers will be notified about this recall.
Tesla recalled 20,349 vehicles because of low-beam headlights that might be extremely bright, possibly lowering visibility for drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
2026
Tesla vehicle crashes into parked highway patrol car
Safety incident
A Tesla driver who said he was asleep and using the driver-assist mode crashed into a parked California Highway Patrol vehicle at the scene of an earlier accident. The California Highway Patrol said two officers were seriously injured and taken to a hospital.
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Video released by CHP shows the Tesla speeding past flares, cones, and emergency lights where officers were on the scene of an earlier accident, before ramming into the back of a parked patrol vehicle. CHP says two officers were seriously injured in the accident and taken to a hospital.
After this horrific crash involving a Tesla driver who said he was asleep and using the driver assist mode
2025
Political backlash and attacks on Tesla facilities
Musk’s political activity was associated in reporting with protests, boycotts, vandalism and attacks targeting Tesla stores, vehicles and charging locations. The controversy also coincided with reputational and sales concerns in several markets.
2024
Executive compensation and governance dispute
A Delaware court rejected Musk’s previously approved compensation package after a shareholder challenge concerning board process, disclosure and the package’s size.
2023
Autopilot safety and marketing controversy
Regulators and critics questioned the naming, marketing and operational safeguards of Tesla’s driver-assistance systems. A software-related recall required additional driver-monitoring controls.
2022
SEC investigates Elon Musk and Kimbal Musk over alleged Tesla insider trading
Investigation
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal Musk over alleged insider trading related to Tesla stock sales. The investigation examines whether Kimbal Musk had prior knowledge of Elon Musk's Twitter poll about selling shares before selling $108 million worth of Tesla stock on November 5.
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the federal agency investigating the Tesla CEO and his brother, Kimbal Musk, of alleged insider trading
the issue stems from the Musk brothers selling Tesla stocks last year, with the SEC examining whether they breached insider trading rules
The battle between Elon Musk and the Securities and Exchange Commission took another dramatic twist on Thursday after reports surfaced of the federal agency investigating the Tesla CEO and his brother, Kimbal Musk, of alleged insider trading.
2021
Workplace discrimination and harassment allegations
Tesla faced lawsuits and regulatory allegations concerning racial harassment, discrimination, retaliation and workplace conditions. The company disputed or defended various claims.
2019
Father sues Tesla over fatal crash
Lawsuit filed
James B. Riley sued Tesla over a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S. The lawsuit alleges the crash should have been survivable and claims the battery pack and removal of the speed limiter contributed to the deaths.
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James B. Riley, the father of the driver, is now suing Tesla for the crash, which the lawsuit alleges should have been “entirely survivable,”
Both of the suits blame the car’s lithium-Ion battery pack for the occupants’ deaths, since it exploded upon impact with the brick wall.
The lawsuit also says the accident occurred because “the speed limiter was removed without their consent or permission.”
2019
Tesla sues Fryer’s Towing Service over sale of recovered vehicle
Lawsuit filed
Tesla sued Fryer’s Towing Service, alleging that the company sold a Tesla vehicle that had been recovered after being stolen from a dealership, despite knowing the vehicle belonged to Tesla of Florida. The dispute concerns the sale of the recovered vehicle by the towing service.
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Fryer’s Towing Service sold a Tesla worth about $75,000 after the electric SUV was stolen from a dealership and recovered in Port Orange despite knowing that the vehicle belonged to Tesla of Florida, according to a lawsuit filed in Volusia County Circuit Court.
2019
Walmart and Tesla settle solar-panel dispute
Settlement
Walmart and Tesla announced that they had resolved the issues raised by Walmart in its lawsuit over rooftop solar systems after fires were alleged at seven Walmart stores. The settlement terms were not disclosed.
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The two companies issued a joint release Tuesday announcing that the issues raised by Walmart have been resolved.
Walmart has dropped a lawsuit that accused Tesla of breach of contract and gross negligence after rooftop solar panel systems on seven of the retailer’s stores allegedly caught fire.
A settlement has been reached and stipulation of dismissal has been filed with the court, a Walmart spokesperson said in an email.
2019
Awan family files wrongful-death suit against Tesla
Lawsuit filed
Omar Awan's family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Tesla. The suit alleges that the car's door handles were retracted and did not auto-present, preventing an officer from rescuing Awan after a crash; the family is seeking more than $15,000 in damages. These are allegations in the lawsuit.
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Last week, the 48-year-old's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla. According to the suit, car's door handles were retracted and didn't 'auto-present'.
Family says because Tesla's handles didn't work, officer was unable to save Awan.
Liliana Awan filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the automaker on behalf of her husband, 48-year-old Dr. Omar Awan, stating that the vehicle’s handles failed to automatically extend from their retracted positions after his car caught on fire in a crash, preventing police from rescuing him.
2019
Tesla recalls 89 Model 3 cars over missing airbag warning information
Recall announced
Tesla recalled 89 Model 3 sedans because the driver-side sun visor lacked airbag warning information required to comply with federal safety standards. Tesla said it would notify owners and provide a free inspection and replacement sun visor with the warning information if needed.
Company response
Recall — Tesla
Tesla will send the owners of the 89 cars a mailed notice.
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In the documents filed on Oct. 10, Tesla and NHTSA said the affected cars were built on Aug. 23.
Nevertheless, some 89 Tesla Model 3 sedans need to head to a service center due to missing airbag warning information.
The fix will be free of charge for owners.
2018
Funding-secured statement and SEC settlement
Musk’s public statement that he was considering taking Tesla private led to SEC litigation and shareholder lawsuits. Musk and Tesla each paid civil penalties, and Musk relinquished the board-chair role while remaining CEO.