In January 2025, a major recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V-002) was issued for nearly 240,000 vehicles due to a critical defect in the onboard car computer that impacts multiple safety systems.
Here is the list of 5 labels for the 2025–2026 On-Board Computer Recall:
AI4 Computer Board Shorting,
Cause: In vehicles equipped with Hardware 4 (AI4.1), a specific power-up sequence combined with cold temperatures can trigger a "reverse current" that physically shorts the primary or secondary power components on the circuit board.
Solution: Tesla released an OTA software update (2024.44.25.3 or later) to change the power-up logic. However, if the hardware was already stressed or damaged before the update, Tesla must physically replace the car computer.
Total Loss of Active Safety,
Cause: When the AI4 computer shorts, it takes down the entire suite of active safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Avoidance.
Selection: The car becomes a "shadow version" of itself, losing all driver assistance. Owners are advised that the car remains driveable but lacks all computer-aided safety protections until the hardware is replaced.
Rearview Camera Blackouts (FMVSS 111),
Cause: The computer failure results in a blank center screen when shifting into reverse, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for rear visibility.
Solution: This is the primary safety trigger for the federal recall. If your screen is blank in reverse, you are eligible for a priority hardware replacement at a Tesla Service Center.
"Ghost" Power Consumption (Phantom Drain),
Cause: A byproduct of the computer defect is that the system can get stuck in an "auto-update loop," preventing the car from entering "Sleep" mode. This results in extreme battery drain—up to 5kWh per day while parked.
Solution: Owners without home charging are particularly affected. A hardware replacement is the only way to restore the car’s ability to "sleep" and preserve battery range.
Ancillary System Failures (Wipers/Lights),
Cause: Because the AI4 computer manages the communication for peripheral hardware, a short can cause erratic behavior or total failure of the automatic windshield wipers, auto high beams, and GPS navigation.
Solution: Use manual wiper and light controls if the "Auto" features fail. If GPS remains "stuck" or spinning, it confirms the on-board computer's internal storage or processor has been compromised by the short.
Labels List Only
AI4 Computer Board Shorting,
Total Loss of Active Safety,
Rearview Camera Blackouts (FMVSS 111),
"Ghost" Power Consumption (Phantom Drain),
Ancillary System Failures (Wipers/Lights),
Would you like me to check the specific software version on your car to see if you have the patch that prevents the computer short?
