US authority runs ‘engineering analysis’ on Tesla models
WASHINGTON: The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said yesterday it was expanding a probe into nearly 159,000 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles, upgrading it to an engineering analysis, a step required before it can seek to compel recalls.
The auto safety regulator had opened a preliminary evaluation in June over touchscreen failures.
NHTSA said the failure could result in the loss of rearcamera image display and reduced rear visibility when reversing, and could affect defogging ability and audible chimes relating to driver assistance system Autopilot and turn signals.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The probe now covers 201218 model year Tesla Model S and 201618 Model X vehicles. The preliminary investigation covered 63,000 Tesla Model S cars.
NHTSA said the failure did not affect vehiclecontrol systems.
The memory control unit (MCU) used an Nvidia Corp Tegra 3 processor, NHTSA said.
The flash devices had a finite lifespan based on the number of programs or erase cycles, NHTSA said. — Reuters