Tesla Recalls Thousands of SUVs in Australia Due to Software Fault Risking Injury

Tesla Recall Impacts Over 7,000 Vehicles in Australia

September 1, 2025

Canberra, Australia – A notable recall has been issued for Tesla vehicles across Australia, affecting more than 7,000 electric cars. The action, announced this weekend by the federal transport department, centers on a software flaw that could lead to driver‘s side windows closing with excessive force.

The recall specifically targets all 2025 Tesla Model Y vehicles currently registered in Australia. According to the transport department, the problem stems from a malfunctioning automatic window protection system. This system is designed to halt or reverse a closing window if it detects an obstruction, but the current issue may render it ineffective.

Officials state that an improperly functioning system could cause a window to close with hazardous force if a body part, or any object, is present in its path, greatly increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. The situation mirrors a prior recall in the United States in 2022, concerning over 1.1 million Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3 and Model S.

Software Update to Resolve the Issue

Tesla is proactively contacting owners of affected vehicles to inform them of the recall and provide instructions for resolution. Fortunately,the correction for this issue can be implemented through an over-the-air software update,offering a convenient fix for vehicle owners without requiring a service center visit.

This recall marks the largest issued by the American automaker in australia this year. Previously, in March, 297 Model Y and Model 3 cars where recalled due to a separate power steering concern, as reported by the Australian Vehicle Recalls website.

Did You Know? Over-the-air software updates are becoming increasingly common in the automotive industry, allowing manufacturers to address issues and add new features remotely.

recall Detail	Details
Vehicles Affected	7,301 Tesla Model Y (2025)
Issue	Malfunctioning driver’s side automatic window protection system
Resolution	Over-the-air software update
Previous Recall (March 2025)	297 Model Y & Model 3 – Power Steering Issue

Understanding Automatic Window Protection Systems

Automatic window protection systems are a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles. They employ sensors to detect obstructions in the window’s path, preventing the window from closing and potentially causing injury. These systems are mandated in many regions to ensure passenger safety. Though, as with any technology, glitches and software bugs can occur, leading to malfunctions like the one impacting Tesla vehicles.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for and install software updates for your vehicle, as they often include critical safety enhancements.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consistently emphasizes the importance of recalls and encourages vehicle owners to respond promptly to notifications. Ignoring a recall could expose occupants to unnecessary risks.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tesla Recall

What are your thoughts on the increasing reliance on software in modern vehicles? Share your opinion in the comments below!

Is the recall notice available on the Product Safety Australia website?

Recall Details: Affected Models & Numbers

Tesla has initiated a recall affecting approximately 6,864 vehicles in Australia, encompassing several popular SUV models. The recall specifically targets:

Tesla Model Y: A meaningful portion of the recalled vehicles are Model Y SUVs.

Tesla Model X: The larger Model X SUV is also included in this safety recall.

Tesla Model 3: Certain Model 3 sedans are also affected,though the majority are SUVs.

The Australian Department of Infrastructure,Transport,Regional Growth,Communications and the Arts – via the Product Safety Australia website – announced the recall on August 29,2025,citing a software issue. vehicle Identification Numbers (vins) can be checked on the Tesla website or through the official recall notice to determine if a specific vehicle is impacted.

The Software Glitch: What’s the Problem?

The core of the issue lies within the Tesla vehicle’s software controlling the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. specifically, a fault can cause the AEB to unexpectedly activate. This unintended activation poses a serious safety risk:

unexpected Braking: The sudden submission of brakes while driving at speed can startle drivers and possibly lead to rear-end collisions.

Increased Collision Risk: The AEB malfunction increases the risk of accidents, particularly on highways or in heavy traffic.

Phantom Braking: This issue is often referred to as “phantom braking,” where the system perceives a threat that doesn’t exist.

The software flaw affects how the system interprets signals, leading to false positives and the unnecessary deployment of the emergency brakes. This isn’t the frist instance of AEB-related concerns with Tesla vehicles globally, highlighting the complexities of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

What Tesla is Doing to Fix the Issue

Tesla is addressing the recall with a free over-the-air (OTA) software update. This is a key benefit of Tesla’s technology,allowing for rapid deployment of fixes without requiring owners to visit a service center.

Here’s what Tesla owners need to know:

1. Software Update Notification: Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification from Tesla when the software update is available.
2. Download & Installation: the update can be downloaded and installed remotely, typically while the vehicle is parked and connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Update Verification: tesla recommends verifying the successful installation of the update through the vehicle’s software menu.
4. Estimated Completion Time: The update process usually takes between 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on internet connection speed.

Tesla has stated that the software update will recalibrate the AEB system, resolving the issue and restoring its intended functionality.

Understanding Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Automatic emergency Braking (AEB) is a crucial safety feature designed to prevent or mitigate collisions. It works by using sensors – typically radar and cameras – to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.If the system detects an imminent collision, it will:

Provide a Warning: An audible and visual warning alerts the driver to the potential hazard.

Apply Brakes: If the driver doesn’t respond, the AEB system automatically applies the brakes to reduce speed or bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

AEB systems are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles and are proven to significantly reduce the severity of accidents. However, as with any complex technology, thay are not foolproof and can be subject to malfunctions.

Previous Tesla recalls & Safety Concerns

This recall isn’t an isolated incident. Tesla has faced several recalls in recent years, often related to software issues. Some notable examples include:

2023 Recall (Boombox Feature): A recall related to the “Boombox” feature potentially obstructing emergency vehicle sirens.

2022 Recall (full Self-Driving Beta): Recalls addressing issues with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software, including concerns about phantom braking and unintended acceleration.

Ongoing NHTSA Investigations: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to investigate various aspects of Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD systems.

These recalls underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and advancement of software-based safety systems in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.

What Tesla Owners Should Do Now

If you own a Tesla Model Y,Model X,or potentially a Model 3 in Australia,take the following steps:

Check Your VIN: Visit the Tesla website (https://www.tesla.com/) or the Product Safety australia website to verify if your vehicle is affected by the recall.

Monitor for Updates: Regularly check for software updates in your vehicle’s settings.

Install Updates Promptly: When the update is available, download and install it as soon as possible.

Report Any Issues: If you experience any unexpected braking or other issues with your AEB system, report it to Tesla instantly.

Resources & Further Details

Product Safety australia: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/

Tesla Recall Information: https://www.tesla.com/support/recall

**Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport,