14-12-2023 (AUSTIN) Tesla is initiating a recall of over two million vehicles after a US regulatory investigation revealed flaws in its Autopilot driver assistance system. The recall, encompassing nearly every Tesla sold in the US since the launch of Autopilot in 2015, comes after a two-year probe into crashes that occurred while the technology was active.
Tesla, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has pledged to address the issue through a software update delivered “over the air.” This automatic update eliminates the need for a visit to a dealership or garage, although the US regulator still classifies it as a recall.
In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency stated that it was not aware of any safety issues with Teslas in the country. The agency emphasized that UK-sold Teslas lack some features present in their US counterparts and are not self-driving or approved to be.
Autopilot, designed to assist with steering, acceleration, and braking, necessitates driver input despite its name. Tesla’s software aims to ensure that drivers remain attentive and that the feature operates only in suitable conditions, such as highway driving.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that a comprehensive investigation of 956 Tesla crashes over two years indicated that the controls of Autopilot may not be sufficient to prevent misuse. While acknowledging the promise of automated technology for safety improvement, the NHTSA stressed the need for responsible deployment.
Tesla has not responded to requests for comment on the recall. The company, however, disagreed with the agency’s analysis but agreed to introduce new features to address concerns, including additional checks when activating self-driving features.
This recall follows recent statements from a former Tesla employee, Lukasz Krupski, who questioned the safety of the technology. Krupski, a Blueprint Prize-winning whistleblower, expressed concerns about both hardware and software readiness, referring to the public roads as experimental grounds.
Despite the recall, Tesla defended Autopilot’s safety, citing stronger safety metrics when the feature is engaged. The company, which views autonomy as crucial for future growth, is facing government investigations and lawsuits related to crashes involving its software.
The recall focuses on the Autosteer component of Autopilot, which helps maintain the car in the correct lane in conjunction with traffic-aware cruise control. The update will include additional alerts and monitoring to encourage drivers to adhere to their continuous responsibility when Autosteer is engaged.
