Back when it launched, I predicted they would build a few tens of thousands and stop making more because each one is a potential refund liability.
“Recall” being a free software update that has already been pushed OTA.
We really need a better word.
No we don’t. The focus is the problem bad enough to issue a mandatory fix. the solution doesn’t really matter, if it’s software, change a bolt or half the car in this context.
Other cars also had problems fixed with software updates, the only I can see that’s heavily used but Tesla and not the other companies ( in the past ) it’s OTA updates.
For a generation or two “recall” meant “take it in for an important fix”.
If I have to take it in and be without my vehicle for x hours or days that is much more disruptive to my life and makes the vehicle less useful.
When it updates overnight and the first I know about it is a letter in the mail weeks later that is much less impact.
“Recall” should be reserved for “take it in” and we need a new word for “something important needs to get fixed and it’s already been done”.