Perhaps it's time to fight over words. The definition of recall no longer works, and I believe it is constantly used specifically negatively against Tesla. It has an effect on most people, who aren't savvy, who don't read beyond the headline. (i've not participated in these alleged battles before)

You are right. People seem to think a recall means “taking it in to get fixed”.

But, a recall actually means the product has a dangerous defect that requires the manufacturer to promptly fix it for free otherwise the vehicle must be removed from the road.

To better explain this we should use the term “dangerous defect” instead of “recall”.

“Teslas contain another dangerous defect - affecting 2.2 million vehicles” does sound more accurate.

The correct term may just be "non-compliant design"

You think a font being a few tenths of a millimeter off spec is a "dangerous defect" ? Let me guess... not a fan of Elon.

Tesla and NHTSA both agree it is a recall.

As to the definition they are agreeing on, from the NHTSA website [1]:

“Initiated safety recalls require a manufacturer's action to announce and remedy the defects.

A recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.”

Creating a unreasonable safety risk or failing to meet minimum safety standards is kind of the definition of dangerous. And there is a defect causing it. So, yes, Tesla claims it is a “dangerous defect” and I think Tesla knows more about their products being dangerous than you do.

[1] https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Yes. Unreadable font/icon is dangerous during driving.

I'm not so sure it's a safety improvement, though. To make the text bigger, they got rid of the icon.

https://twitter.com/greentheonly/status/1753249463311691839

Many Ford, GM, Kia/Hyundai and Porsche cars on the road today have this exact same "dangerous" issue. Instead of recalling the cars, they filed an inconsequential non-compliance petition so that they don't have to fix it.

Only Tesla could fix it. GM, Porsche, Kia/Hyundai and Ford couldn't. Their cars remain "dAngErOUs".

Source: https://youtu.be/480yxR_kmIg?si=dThdJD2_QceCyF_E&t=161

Porsche Taycans still have this "danGeRouS dEfEct" today, and Porsche doesn't fix them. Where's the article?

Source: https://youtu.be/480yxR_kmIg?si=dThdJD2_QceCyF_E&t=161

Dangerous defect my ass...

>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that a safety recall is issued if either the manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a vehicle or its equipment pose a safety risk or do not meet motor vehicle safety standards

The NHTSA issues a recall. It is up to the car manufactures to implement a fix in whichever ways they want.

Tesla even has their own page where they list these Recalls. Tesla has no problem with the word. Elon Musk, a noted individual that likes to say it like is, has not come out against the word either. https://www.tesla.com/support/annual-and-recall-service

How about instead of fighting the words, you fight the car companies that refuse to use their profits to correctly follow the established safety protocols.

> Good thing we are capable of reading beyond the headline

People don't read articles on tech forums like this so frequently that RTFA is a common meme.

> Every single time Tesla gets a recall (kinda often aint it?) there are people in HN comments who just want to fight over a word

You only think it's often because the other ones don't get reported on HN, creating the false impression.

> According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford issued 55 safety recalls in 2023, down from 67 last year. The repair campaigns affected 5.9 million vehicles, down from 8.6 million in 2022, which put the automaker in second place for the total number of vehicles recalled. Honda’s 19 recalls affected 6.3 million cars.

> Chrysler issued the second-highest number of recalls, at 45. Kia came in third for the total number of recalled cars, with more than 3 million affected by its 20 repair campaigns.

https://www.kbb.com/car-news/in-2023-ford-again-led-nation-i...

Anti EV publications like the NYP should definitely be called out for writing misleading headlines.

> You only think it's often because the other ones don't get reported on HN, creating the false impression.

Tesla & Other car companies have way too many recalls. Someone else also failing does not negate the amount of recalls Tesla is doing or change the frequency at which they occur. I do agree that Tesla recalls gain wider internet spotlight. I believe that is largely due to Musk himself is attracted to the spotlight. I couldn’t name you the name of ceo of another car company, and tbh I think that is a good thing. It is widely known that scrutiny increases the more you of a public figure you are. Especially so if you are a divisive one.

The headline is not misleading, it is accurate.

Regardless of what recall means today, in the past it meant a physical visit to the dealership. I believe there are many people (for example my mother) who would see the headline, not actually read the article, arrive at a mistaken conclusion that Tesla's must spend most of their time in the shop, and then spread that misinformation. So I agree, there should be a distinction between "Tesla owners required to visit a dealership" and "Tesla owners' cars receive updates while parked in their garage".

Tesla owners will receive information (as required by law) about the issue and resolution. I am sorry that your mom decides to spread misinformation about articles that she did not read. That doesn't sound like an issue that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should take into account.