Tesla Recall is Due to Failing Flash Memory
MotorTrend and probably many other car sites discuss a new Tesla recall: https://www.motortrend.com/news/tesla-model-x-s-nhtsa-screen-recall/
According to the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), the problem lies with the Media Control Unit that runs the central display screen. If it fails, the screen goes dark, which means that neither the backup camera nor the climate controls will be displayed-and since Tesla displays its climate controls on the center screen, that means there's no way to turn on the defroster or defogger. (A rear-view camera and defroster are required by Federal law. This is why most cars, even those with video-screen climate controls, have a separate defroster button.) ODI says a failed MCU can also affect other safety systems, including Autopilot and the turn signal clickers.
The problem lies with the Nvidia Tegra 3 processor and its 8 GB of flash memory. Tesla installed the processor in about 158,000 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model Y vehicles. The flash memory, which is accessed when the car is started, has a lifespan of about 3,000 program-erase cycles. According to the NHTSA, that equates to 5-6 years of normal usage before the system packs up. The agency says Tesla has confirmed that all MCUs will inevitably fail due to the design, and the NHTSA says it has already identified some 12,588 incidents related to MCU replacements.
My understanding of NHTSA recalls (US Federal Gov't) is that they stand forever. Tesla will either have to find a replacement that has longer lasting flash memory, or Tesla will have to bring these cars in before another ~3000 starts and replace the Nvidia processor again.
Or, I suppose Tesla could eventually buy them back and crush them...shades of GM and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Killed_the_Electric_Car
I have a 2003 car with one of the airbags that becomes dangerously explosive with temp/time, the car is on its 3rd airbag now. Apparently replacing with a new one with the same propellant is the cost effective solution for the manufacturer. I'm going to wait them out--I don't drive it that often and current plans are to keep it for another ~20 years.
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