Tesla Model 3 Recalled Because Trunk Can Cause Backup Camera to Fail

Tesla has recalled all 356,309 Model 3 cars from model years 2017 to 2020 because the backup camera might stop working.
It has also recalled nearly 120,000 2014–2021 Model S cars because the front trunk might come loose.
Tesla service centers will fix both issues free of charge, and if Model 3 owners already fixed the backup camera issue prior to the recall they will be reimbursed.
Tesla is recalling all Model 3 cars from model years 2017 to 2020 because repeated opening and closing of the trunklid might cause the car’s backup camera to stop working. Tesla says that 2021 models are not affected because they have a different design.

In a recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla reported that 356,309 Model 3 cars are affected. The car’s trunk harness is equipped with a cable that feeds the backup camera, and Tesla says that excessive opening and closing over time might cause wear on the cable, disrupting the backup camera’s feed to the infotainment screen.

Obviously, the car is still drivable, and drivers should never solely rely on the backup camera when driving the car in reverse anyway. Still, Tesla says that its service centers will check all affected vehicles and either install protection on the harness or replace the harness altogether with the protective guide. Those who have already addressed this issue prior to the recall notice will be reimbursed, Tesla says.

Additionally, Tesla has recalled 119,009 Model S cars from 2014 to 2021 model years because the front trunklid might come loose. Owners will be notified by letter starting February 18 for both recalls. In both cases, owners can check with the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is affected.