Tesla recalls 435K vehicles in China

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tesla is recalling 435,000 vehicles in China as the American electric carmaker is mired in a second technical issue in one week in the world's biggest auto market.

The recall includes more than 142,000 Model 3 sedans and almost 293,000 Model Y vehicles, which could be affected by a software issue that stops the rear lights of the vehicles from illuminating, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulation.

Tesla said it will provide software updates to fix the issue, China's top market watchdog noted.

It marks the second recall in one week for Tesla in China after the company announced a recall of more than 67,000 vehicles last Friday, which included Model S and Model X vehicles produced between Sept. 25, 2013, and Nov. 21, 2020, because the battery management systems mistakenly issued warnings such as "maintenance required" and "safe parking" on drivers’ screens.

Tesla also had recalled almost 128,000 vehicles of the Model 3 in China in April due to semiconductor issues that could potentially lead to collisions.

In September, Tesla sold 83,135 vehicles in China, breaking the monthly record for the company's factory in Shanghai, according to China's Passenger Car Association.