Tesla is recalling some 579,000 vehicles in the United States.

The issue seems to be that the electric cars are too noisy.

An American safety organisation believes the cars’ “Boombox” function may endanger pedestrians. The manufacturer’s accessory allows drivers to play sounds over an external speaker .

Fun police strike

The Boombox system gives drivers the ability to broadcast pre-recorded noises to make others aware of its presence. Previously, road safety organisations around the world have raised concerns over the quietness of EVs. Pedestrians and cyclist may not realise cars are approaching. Tesla’s new option allows drivers to play an array of sounds including fart sounds a bleating goat.

However the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the function may interfere with the noise from the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS). This is a legal requirement alerting pedestrians to the presence of an electric car running at speeds below 19mph.

“Sounds emitted using Boombox could be construed to obscure or prevent the PWS from complying,” says the NHTSA. It references the US rules governing the use of pedestrian warning systems.

It admits the function may “enhance the conspicuity” of vehicles. However, using Boombox while in motion may “increase the risk of collision”.

Hot air

Clearly unhappy with the enforced recall, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted: “The fun police made us do it (sigh).”

The recall covers certain 2020 to 2022 Tesla Model X, S and Y vehicles, as well as 2017 to 2022 Model 3s.

Tesla has said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries due to the issue. However, it will attempt to rectify the problem via an over-the-air update. This will disable Boombox when the car is in drive, neutral or reverse modes.