Tesla recalls 1.68 million cars in China for trunk safety update

Tesla has announced a recall in China for 1.68 million cars for a remote software update that will allow trunks to warn drivers when they are not locked, a Chinese regulator said.

The announcement late Tuesday said vehicles with faulty trunk latches will be repaired free of charge. The recall applies to some imported Model S and X models, as well as domestic Model 3 and Y models manufactured between Oct. 15, 2020, and July 17, 2024.

The regulator said an unlocked trunk could potentially open while driving and interfere with the driver’s visibility. The US-based electric vehicle maker will fix the problem with a remote software update. China’s importance as a market and manufacturing hub for Tesla is significant, but the company faces stiff competition from local EV manufacturers. Tesla reported a sharp drop in net income in the second quarter, which it attributed to reduced sales despite price cuts and low-interest financing.

(Based on information from the agency.)