Tesla Recalls 2 Million Vehicles Amid Autopilot Concerns

Tesla is voluntarily recalling around 2 million vehicles in the U.S. following concerns raised by auto safety regulators about the confusion and potential misuse of its Autopilot features. Despite Tesla disputing the agency’s analysis, the electric vehicle giant has agreed to the recall, addressing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) findings.

The NHTSA expressed reservations about the Autosteer feature, a component of Tesla’s “Basic Autopilot” package designed for “controlled-access highways.” It provides steering, braking, and acceleration support but requires drivers to remain attentive and hands-on while using it. The agency discovered that the controls of the Autopilot system may not be enough to stop driver misuse. It can potentially increase the risk of collisions.

The recall impacts 2,031,220 Tesla vehicles, including Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, manufactured since 2012. Tesla’s remedy involves an “over-the-air software remedy,” with updates beginning Tuesday and further deployments scheduled for affected vehicles.

The NHTSA initiated an investigation into 11 incidents involving Tesla cars in 2021, where Autopilot and Autosteer were implicated. The voluntary recall follows cooperation from Tesla during the investigation, leading to the implementation of additional controls and alerts to encourage responsible Autosteer use.

Tesla plans to enhance visual alerts on touch screens, simplify engagement and disengagement of Autosteer, and introduce additional checks for drivers, especially outside controlled access highways and near traffic controls. The company’s filing also mentions the possibility of locking drivers out of using Autosteer if not used responsibly.

While shares of Tesla initially dipped, they rebounded by the afternoon, closing higher at $239.29. The recall, aimed at reducing misuse on unsuitable roads, lacks specific, measurable outcomes, prompting safety experts to call for more substantial commitments from Tesla, such as retrofitting older vehicles with cameras and night vision technology.

Automotive safety researchers emphasize the importance of addressing distracted driving concerns and preventing over-reliance on Autopilot features by ensuring drivers actively participate in the driving task. The recall marks a significant step for Tesla in addressing safety concerns related to its Autopilot system and promoting responsible usage among drivers.

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