AUSTIN, Texas — Tesla Inc. is recalling more than 218,000 vehicles in the United States due to a software issue that can delay rearview camera images, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on May 6, 2026.
The recall affects certain Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles equipped with software version 2026.8.6, according to NHTSA documents. The issue may cause the rearview camera display to lag or fail to appear promptly when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla has addressed the problem with an over-the-air software update. The company began deploying the remedy in April, and more than 99.9% of affected vehicles had received it by early May, according to regulatory filings.
"This recall is limited to vehicles in the U.S. running the specific software version," a Tesla spokesperson said in a statement. "Owners do not need to visit a service center as the fix is delivered wirelessly."
The affected vehicles include certain 2017 and 2021-2023 Model 3 units, 2020-2023 Model Y units, and 2021-2023 Model S and Model X units, NHTSA said. No injuries or crashes have been directly linked to the issue in the recall documentation.
Tesla, which frequently issues software-related recalls resolved via remote updates, did not immediately respond to requests for additional details on the global scope. The U.S. recall represents the primary action disclosed by regulators as of June 1. Details on potential recalls in other markets remain unclear.
The action comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny of advanced driver assistance systems and vehicle software. NHTSA has required manufacturers to report defects that could affect safety, with Tesla maintaining a high volume of such campaigns due to its large fleet and reliance on frequent software iterations.
As of Monday, Tesla advised owners to ensure their vehicles are connected to Wi-Fi to receive updates promptly. Drivers experiencing the camera delay should use caution when reversing and rely on mirrors and direct vision until the update is installed.
Tesla has not provided a worldwide total for the issue. The company continues to monitor vehicle performance data to identify and address potential concerns.
