Tesla is recalling about 356,000 Model 3s because of a kink in the backup camera cable when the trunk is closed. It applies to Model 3 sedans manufactured between July 15, 2017 and September 30, 2020. Eventually, with lots of openings and closings of the trunk, the kink in the coaxial cable could cause the cable to crack. Then, you wouldn’t be able to see the picture the backup camera normally shows.
Tesla's rear camera cable can kink when the trunk closes
I was disappointed that I haven't seen any pictures that show the problem. I figured that it would be easy to climb in the closed trunk and take some pictures, but when I looked at the cable, I realized that the cable is outside the rubber gasket that keeps rainwater out of the trunk. So climbing into the trunk and getting closed in wouldn’t help.
The way I took the pictures below was to stand outside the car and take pictures of the cable with the trunk in various degrees of closure. Fortunately, camera phones have such tiny lenses that it’s feasible to photograph things through very narrow slits and get a reasonably clear picture.
You can see from the photographs that with the trunk wide open, there’s no kink in the cable at all, but the more the trunk is closed, the sharper the angle of the cable becomes. If your cable gives out before you have the opportunity to get the fix, you’ll still be able to back up. You’ll just have to twist your neck around the way you did it before they invented backup cameras.
You also won't get video coverage of collisions if someone rear-ends your car if the cable fails. I suspect that the way Tesla will handle this recall is that they'll space out the inspections but will give priority to people who already have failure of the backup camera.
If you want to see the same cable in your own car, open your trunk. It’s on your right as you’re facing the trunk looking from the rear.
Tesla's rear camera cable can kink when the trunk closes
Checking if your car is affected
You can confirm your Tesla is affected by the recall by visiting Tesla's recall search page. You'll need your vehicle VIN number, which you can find at the bottom of Tesla's mobile app, or by logging in to your account page on Tesla's website.
If you're doing this on your mobile device, you can simply tap and hold on your VIN number in the app in order to copy it.
Tesla's rear camera cable can kink when the trunk closes
At this time Tesla has started to send out email to some owners stating that no immediate action is required unless your rear camera has stopped working. Tesla will reach out to you to schedule a service visit once they have enough parts in stock.
The service visit will be covered free of charge.
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According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.
Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.
Norwegian FSD - Employees Only
Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.
Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.
Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025
Article 39 Exemption
The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.
We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.
However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.
Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back
All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.
This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.
If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.
Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.
Canada and Mexico
For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.
Running Offers
There are also several other offers running in North America, with the country flags indicating which countries their available in:
0% Financing on new Model 3 Orders (60mo, 0.99% for 72mo) 🇺🇸
Deep Blue Metallic and Pearl White are currently free on a new Model 3 Performance 🇺🇸
Original Model Y Owners are receiving $2,000 off the purchase of a Refreshed Model Y 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
Free Supercharging on the Model S and Model X 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
Free Supercharging on the Foundation-Series Cybertruck 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
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