Palo Alto, Calif. — Tesla announced a second recall of its battery‑electric Semi, targeting 36 trucks whose side‑door warning system fails to alert operators unless the parking brake is disengaged and the door is not fully latched.

The recall hits a niche fleet that has barely left the prototype stage, but the flaw strikes at a core safety requirement for Class 8 tractors. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206 mandates that any door‑lock failure must be unmistakably signaled to the driver; the current software lets the warning be dismissed, potentially allowing a door to swing open while the rig is in motion.

The latest notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration follows a March recall that covered 35 Semis for a faulty electronic parking‑brake valve module capable of causing a rollaway. Tesla’s over‑the‑air patch, rolled out to units running software version 2023.12 or newer, adds a touchscreen alert for the rear‑hinged side doors. Owner‑notification letters will begin mailing on August 11, and the update can be applied without a service‑bay visit.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A holders operating a Tesla Semi must verify that the door‑warning pop‑up remains active until the latch is fully engaged; dismissing it before confirming closure could lead to a safety violation and a possible FMCSA citation. Owner‑operators who received the first production units in December 2022 – notably PepsiCo’s fleet – should schedule the OTA update immediately to stay compliant. Fleet managers are urged to audit their software versions ahead of the August notice, because any truck still on a pre‑2023.12 build will not display the critical alert.

Industry Reaction

Trucking associations have expressed concern that Tesla’s rapid software cycles may outpace driver training programs. The American Trucking Associations noted that while OTA fixes are convenient, they place the burden of compliance on drivers who must stay current on firmware releases. Meanwhile, independent owner‑operators see the recall as a reminder that emerging electric rigs still require the same diligence as diesel units when it comes to door security and brake integrity.

Key Points

• 36 Tesla Semis recalled for a door‑open warning that only triggers when the parking brake is released.
• The defect violates FMVSS 206 because drivers can dismiss the alert, risking an unsecured side door.
• Recall follows a March action affecting 35 units with a faulty electronic parking‑brake valve module.
• Tesla’s OTA fix applies to software version 2023.12+, with owner letters slated for August 11.

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