Synopsis-
“Tesla is recalling approximately 2 million of its vehicles in the United States to address issues with its Autopilot features, which have been deemed confusing and potentially dangerous by auto safety regulators.”
Tesla is recalling approximately 2 million of its vehicles in the United States to address issues with its Autopilot features, which have been deemed confusing and potentially dangerous by auto safety regulators. Although Tesla did not agree with the agency’s analysis, the company has decided to issue a voluntary recall and will implement an “over-the-air software remedy” to address the problems.
In documents released on Wednesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was discovered that using the Autosteer Tesla feature in certain circumstances could increase the risk of collision.
Tesla’s Autopilot Software Gets Enhanced
Autosteer Tesla is a feature included in Tesla’s “Basic Autopilot” package which is designed to be used on “controlled-access highways” and can provide support for steering, braking, and acceleration under certain conditions. However, drivers are required to keep their hands on the steering wheel and remain alert while using Autosteer, so that they can take over the driving task at any time if necessary.
The Autopilot system utilizes multiple controls to assess whether drivers are maintaining proper attention to the road and their vehicles while using Autosteer. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered that “the visibility and scope of the feature’s controls might not be adequate to prevent driver errors,” as stated in the report.
Tesla Recalling 2,031,220 Cars
According to recent filings, Tesla is recalling 2,031,220 of its cars, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, built since 2012. The remedy for the recall is a software update, which has started rolling out since Tuesday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that the remaining affected vehicles will receive the software updates at a later date. This software update is free for all Tesla customers and will be delivered over-the-air.
Tesla has announced that it will be implementing new safety controls for its Autosteer Tesla feature. These controls will include more noticeable visual alerts on the car’s touch screens and will simplify the process of engaging and disengaging Autosteer. Additionally, drivers using Autosteer will be subject to “additional checks” such as when driving outside of controlled access highways or approaching traffic controls. Tesla has also indicated that if drivers do not use Autosteer responsibly, they may eventually be locked out from using it altogether.
