In response to findings by the US regulator revealing a partial defect in its Autopilot driver assistance system, Tesla has initiated a recall affecting more than two million cars. The decision comes after a two-year investigation into crashes that occurred while the Autopilot feature was in use.
The recall spans nearly every Tesla vehicle sold in the US since the introduction of the Autopilot feature in 2015. Owned by billionaire Elon Musk, Tesla has committed to addressing the issue through a software update delivered “over the air,” streamlining the process for consumers. Despite not requiring a visit to a dealership or garage, the US regulator classifies this corrective measure as a recall.
Autopilot, designed to assist with steering, acceleration, and braking, necessitates driver input despite its name. Tesla’s software is intended to ensure driver attentiveness and restrict feature usage to appropriate conditions, such as highway driving.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after investigating 956 Tesla crashes over two years, concluded that “the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.” While acknowledging the potential safety benefits of automated technology, the NHTSA emphasized responsible deployment and expressed intent to monitor the updated software’s performance.
Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has not provided a comment in response to media queries. According to the recall notice, although the company did not fully agree with the agency’s analysis, it committed to implementing new features to address concerns, including additional checks on activating self-driving features. The impact on Tesla drivers in the UK remains unclear, and inquiries have been made to the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency for clarification.
