Tesla Recalls 218,868 Vehicles Over Rearview Camera Glitch

Tesla is recalling 218,868 U.S. vehicles after regulators identified a software glitch that can delay the rearview camera image by up to 11 seconds when drivers shift into reverse. The affected models include certain 2024-2025 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, along with 2023-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles running software version 2026.8.6 and equipped with Hardware 3 computers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined the lag violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 on rear visibility and could increase crash risk. Tesla identified the issue on April 10, halted further deployment of the faulty firmware the same day, and began pushing a corrective over-the-air software update on April 11.

Owners do not need to visit a service center or wait for parts. The fix arrives wirelessly through the existing software system. By the time the NHTSA posted the recall notice on May 6, more than 99.92 percent of the affected fleet had already received the update.

Tesla reports no crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the glitch. The company is addressing the recall entirely through remote software changes rather than physical repairs.

The episode has renewed discussion about regulatory terminology for software-defined vehicles. Tesla fans have called for an update to the term "recall," arguing it no longer fits when fixes arrive wirelessly in minutes. The NHTSA has not indicated it plans to change its language.

Elon Musk has previously stated that the terminology is outdated and inaccurate for over-the-air software updates. He noted that such fixes involve no injuries and do not require the same process as traditional hardware recalls.

Tesla's approach shows how problems that once required dealer visits can now be resolved remotely before most owners notice an issue. The company completed the corrective update across nearly the entire affected fleet within weeks of discovery.