(Yicai Global) Dec. 1 -- Tesla, which has been at the center of numerous safety issues recently, is recalling more than 400,000 of its locally manufactured vehicles in China because of safety hazards in the light system.

This is the second major recall by the US electric vehicle giant in China in the last week.

Tesla is recalling 142,277 Model 3s and 292,855 Model Ys made between December 2020 and November 2022, which may have a software error that prevents the rear outline lights from illuminating, increasing the risk of accidents, according to an announcement today by China’s State Administration of Market Supervision and Regulation.

Tesla will carry out free remote software upgrades for the vehicles so users do not need to visit stores for repairs, the statement added.

A previous announcement by the regulator on Nov. 25 said that Tesla was recalling 67,698 Model S and Model X, and 12,863 Model 3 vehicles over safety hazards in the battery management system and seat belts, respectively.

In the last month, Tesla vehicles have been involved in two accidents in China, including a Model Y crash in Chaozhou on Nov. 5 that left two dead and three injured. The driver’s family blamed the accident on brake failure, which Tesla denied.

On Nov. 28, another Model Y caused a severe road mishap in Taizhou in Zhejiang province, resulting in two deaths and one injury. Both accidents are still under investigation.According to the China Passenger Car Association, Tesla's retail sales in China exceeded 335,000 in the first 10 months of this year, up 54 percent from last year, with 234,000 Model Ys and 102,000 Model 3s delivered.

Editor: Peter Thomas