Technology
Total Recall: Tesla recalls more than 2 million vehicles to repair autopilot system
The move comes on Wednesday after a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into a series of crashes that occurred while the autopilot, a partially automated driving system, was in use
December 13, 2023 1:42pm
Updated: December 14, 2023 8:19am
Tesla is recalling nearly almost all the vehicles it sold in the United States, more than 2 million, so it can update software and repair a defective autopilot system, according to a safety recall published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The move comes on Wednesday after a two-year investigation by the NHTSA into a series of crashes that occurred while the autopilot, a partially automated driving system, was in use.
The NHTSA said as is, the system’s autosteer feature could be dangerous and “there may be an increased risk of a collision.”
According to filings, the electric car manufacturer agreed to a voluntary recall and deliver an “over-the-air software remedy” to remedy the problem.
Autosteer is a feature of Tesla’s “Basic Autopilot” package that should only be used on “controlled-access highways.” It offers automatic “steering, braking and acceleration support” for drivers in certain conditions, the filings said.
When the autosteer function is on, drivers are instructed to keep their hands on the wheel but still pay close attention to the road to ensure they can take control if necessary.
The function uses occasional controls to test drivers and ensure they are still paying attention so they cannot become distracted while their car is in motion.
Still, U.S. safety regulators also said the autopilot was too easy for drivers to abuse and that the update will increase alerts to drivers, increase warnings and limit where the autopilot can be used if there are enhanced risks in certain areas.
Specifically, the NHTSA found that “the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.”
Tesla’s recall will impact 2,031,220 of Tesla’s Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built since 2012, according to the filings.
But Tesla should be able to remedy some of the problems quickly. According to the Texas based auto manufacturer, it began sending out the software remedy on Tuesday and the fix is free to all Tesla users.
Tesla came under investigation in 2021 after 11 incidents involving vehicles in the Autosteer mode. The company, chaired by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has reportedly been cooperative with the NHTSA.
News of the recall ignited a slight downturn in stock, dropping Tesla 1% on Wednesday.
NHTSA has sent investigators to 35 Tesla accidents since 2016 in which the agency suspects the cars were running in an automated mode. At least 17 people have been killed.
In a Wednesday statement, NHTSA said the investigation remains open “as we monitor the efficacy of Tesla’s remedies and continue to work with the automaker to ensure the highest level of safety.”
