Tesla Recalls 2 Million Vehicles Over Autopilot Software Failure
If you own or drive a Tesla, your vehicle's software is likely in need of a required safety update. The electric car company is recalling 2 million vehicles over a software failure related to its semi-automatic Autopilot feature. Here's what to know.
What's happening?
Tesla is recalling more than 2 million vehicles across four different models to fix a flaw in its Autopilot system. The self-driving feature is supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when the system is activated, but a yearslong investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the automated system's built-in safety measures are at times inadequate and "can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system," according to a statement from the NHTSA.
Despite its name, Tesla's Autopilot system is not a fully automatic self-driving mode. It can steer, accelerate and brake automatically in its lane, but must otherwise be assisted by a driver.
What did NHTSA's investigation find?
The recall comes as the NHTSA conducts an ongoing investigation into a series of crashes, some deadly, related to Tesla's so-called Autopilot system.
Since 2016, the NHTSA has investigated 35 crashes, in which 17 people have died, involving Teslas the agency suspects were relying on Autopilot.
Tesla Autopilot Crashes
In more than one case, a Tesla running on Autopilot hit a parked emergency vehicle dispatched to respond to unrelated crashes.
Last weekend, The Washington Post reported that it's identified about 40 fatal or serious crashes beginning in 2016, including those investigated by the NHTSA.
Tesla subsequently issued a statement, insisting that vehicles are more safe "when Autopilot is engaged than when not engaged."
What vehicles are affected?
The recall includes models Y, S, 3 and X produced between Oct. 5, 2012 and Dec. 7 2023.
What is Tesla doing to fix it?
Tesla is sending drivers a software update that fixes the problem without requiring car owners to bring in their vehicles in order to be safe to drive.
The update will install alerts designed to better ensure that drivers are fully aware and paying attention even when Autopilot is engaged. The controls will "further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility," safety regulators said Wednesday.
According to recent reports, a software update has been released by Tesla to address the Autosteer function of their vehicles. Autosteer is a feature of Tesla's Autopilot system that helps keep vehicles on track and in their lanes on highways, and can also navigate city streets in a more advanced mode. The update will limit the use of Autosteer depending on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, and will alert drivers when Autosteer is not engaged. The update has already been sent to owners of certain affected vehicles, with others receiving it at a later date.
