“Tesla Recalls 2 Million Vehicles in the U.S. Over Autopilot Software Defect Amid Rising Regulatory Scrutiny”
Tesla has issued a recall affecting nearly all of its U.S.-sold cars due to a software flaw in the Autopilot system designed to monitor driver attentiveness. This move, involving approximately 2 million vehicles, reflects an increasing regulatory scrutiny of Tesla by U.S. safety authorities, following multiple investigations into accidents involving the Autopilot technology.
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In 2021, Tesla vehicles were implicated in about 70% of advanced driver assistance system-related crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). The NHSTA, in a letter to Tesla, disclosed the recall and outlined that the company would release a free software update. This update aims to restrict the use of the Autosteer feature for drivers who repeatedly fail to demonstrate control while using it.
Tesla
The NHSTA warned of an elevated crash risk in situations where the driver does not maintain responsibility for the vehicle while Autosteer is engaged. The recall applies to all Tesla models Y, S, 3, and X produced between October 2012 and December 2023.
This action by the NHSTA comes shortly after a Washington Post investigation revealed instances where Tesla’s Autopilot feature was mistakenly enabled in serious accidents, including fatalities. Tesla’s Autopilot functionality has also been under investigation for its behavior around crash scenes and a feature allowing drivers to play video games on the touchscreen while the vehicle is in motion.
The NHSTA’s move suggests a need for Tesla to enhance safeguards in the Autopilot software, addressing the potential for misuse. While Tesla contends that driving is safer with Autopilot engaged, the NHSTA emphasizes the importance of establishing clear rules for when and where Autopilot is safe to use and enforcing those rules effectively.
This regulatory action, long awaited by the NHSTA, raises questions about whether further measures will be taken to regulate Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” technology.
