Tesla recalls 2 million vehicles due to autopilot risks, prioritizing safety with software updates.
Tesla is conducting a recall of over 2 million vehicles in response to concerns raised by the U.S. safety authorities. The U.S. regulator identified issues with the clarity and potential misuse of Tesla’s autopilot features. Although Tesla initially disagreed with the findings of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the company has consented to a recall and will provide an over-the-air software update.
The NHTSA’s investigation, which scrutinized the Autosteer component of Tesla’s autopilot system, highlighted risks of collision under certain conditions. Autosteer, designed to assist in steering, braking, and acceleration, requires driver attentiveness and hands-on control. However, NHTSA’s analysis suggests that the system’s checks may not adequately deter misuse of the feature.
The recall affects 2,031,220 Tesla vehicles, including Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. Tesla has commenced distributing a free software update to rectify these concerns.
This recall follows an NHTSA investigation into 11 incidents involving Tesla’s autopilot system in 2021. As part of the recall, Tesla plans to implement additional controls and alerts to reinforce the driver’s responsibility even when Autosteer is active.
The upcoming software update will enhance the visibility of visual alerts, streamline the process of engaging and disengaging Autosteer, and introduce more frequent checks to ensure driver focus.
