Tesla Recalls 579,000 Cars Due to “Boombox” Function That Drowns Pedestrian Warning Noise

According to the Associated Press, Tesla is recalling 579,000 vehicles due to a safety feature involving its “Boombox” function playing sounds through external speakers that mask audible warnings meant for pedestrians.

This marks the fourth recall made by Tesla in the last two weeks. One of the other recalls was also over safety concerns, while the others were over software issues. This has led to an ongoing pattern of negative criticism from U.S. safety regulators towards the electric automaker.

Tesla’s cars and SUVs are equipped with a “Boombox” feature that allows drivers to play sounds through its external speakers while in motion. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is in violation of federal safety standards that require electric cars to emit warning noises for pedestrians. Congress made it a requirement for all-electric and hybrid vehicles to be equipped with this kind of feature back in 2010.

To solve the issue, vehicles will be given a software update to disable the “Boombox” while in drive, reverse, or neutral. The recall will be directed towards 2020-2022 Tesla Models X, S, and Y, as well as 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3s.

As of January 2021, Tesla has issued fifteen recalls, according to the NHTSA.