As the Close on Lock option is back, 'Pinching' Tesla car windows can once more be controlled by apps

Photo Credit: New York Times With a software update, Tesla has fixed the "pinching" Windows NHTSA recall issue, and some of the fixes are now active on the server side. Once more active in the Tesla app, the Close Windows on Lock feature, Vent, and Close choices let you remotely operate your windows. Tesla filed a recall for the aforementioned models' problematic automated window reversal technology in the fall, noting a "pinching power windows" issue. Over a million Model 3 vehicles from the 2017 to 2022 model year, Model Y vehicles from the 2020 to 2021 model year, and S/X vehicles from the 2021 to 2022 model year were included in the NHTSA's recall. Photo Credit: TechPlugged Affected The recall warnings were expected to start reaching Tesla owners in November, and then there would be an OTA update to address any potential problems. Tesla, however, informed customers in January that some automatic window closing functions would be discontinued until a fix was discovered for a closing window that "may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury." Certain automatic window capabilities won't be available until further development as a result of recent government laws. The window characteristics listed below won't be available:

• Using physical controls to raise or lower windows until the car has been validated to be driven by pressing the brake pedal
• Remote window functions in the Tesla mobile app (such as Vent and Close)
• Automatic window closing function when the door is locked
• Automatic window closure when switching to the car wash mode
• According to Tesla's support website, the option that would enable the reactivation of some of these in compliance with federal requirements has been available since Tesla's February 2023.2.12 software update.

The fix to ensure that the auto window reversal system of the vehicle complies with Section 5 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 118 is included in software version 2023.2.12 or later. On February 15, 2023, the revised software started to be distributed over-the-air (OTA) to the impacted vehicles. Also Read: Cruise Issues Recall and Software Update After Robotaxi Crash The server side activation has begun, and owners who have begun receiving messages that their Tesla "has access to new window features" are now gradually seeing them. The update fixes all remote window features that may be used right from the app, including Vent and Close, as well as the Close Windows on Lock setting that can be enabled from the Controls -> Locks menu.