In response to safety concerns related to its Autopilot system, Tesla has initiated a recall affecting over 2 million vehicles in the United States. The recall includes the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y. The move comes after a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into incidents involving crashes while the Autopilot feature was engaged, leading to fatalities.
The concern revolves around the potential misuse of Tesla’s Autopilot, a semi-automated driving feature that assists with steering, braking, and lane changes but does not make the vehicle fully autonomous. The NHTSA identified certain circumstances in which there is an increased risk of a crash, particularly when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver fails to maintain responsibility for the vehicle’s operation or is unprepared to intervene as needed.
The recall aims to address a flawed driver monitoring system within Autopilot by enhancing warnings, alerts, and imposing restrictions on specific Autopilot functions. Safety regulators have highlighted the system’s inadequacy in ensuring driver attentiveness, raising concerns about potential misuse.
The affected Tesla models, including the Y, S, 3, and X produced between October 5, 2012, and December 7, 2023, will receive an initial software update, followed by subsequent updates. Tesla’s stock initially experienced a more than 3 percent decline following the recall announcement.
As part of the recall process, Tesla plans to implement an over-air update at no cost, aiming to enhance safety measures. This update will introduce additional alerts to ensure drivers remain attentive when Autopilot is engaged and receive prompt notifications when it disengages. The update will also streamline the engagement and disengagement process of Autosteer and introduce additional checks upon activation. Individuals impacted by accidents involving Tesla’s technology have expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for urgent action and government intervention.