Tesla recalling thousands of vehicles over windshield defrosting

Tesla Motors Co. has recalled nearly 27,000 of its vehicles due to a windshield defrosting issue.

In recall documents on Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said several Tesla models from the past two years are being recalled for a software error that can cause a “valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance.” 

The reported problem can reduce the driver’s visibility, which can increase the risk of a crash, according to the NHTSA.

The recalled vehicles included Tesla Model 3, S and X vehicles from 2021 and 2022 and Model Y vehicles from 2020 through 2022.

The automaker says it does not know of any vehicle accidents or injuries resulting from the issue, The Associated Press reported. 

Tesla said it will send a software update to fix the problem, adding that vehicle owners will be mailed notification letters on the issue on April 1.

This is the 14th time Tesla has issued a recall since January 2021, the AP reported, citing NHTSA records. Tesla’s retail stores and service centers were to have been notified of the latest recall by Friday.