Technology
Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 3:09 pm EDT
Key Points
- Massive Tesla Recall Due to Autopilot Concerns: Tesla is recalling approximately 2 million vehicles in the U.S. following concerns raised by auto safety regulators regarding the Autopilot features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified issues related to the potential confusion and misuse of Autopilot, specifically a feature called Autosteer. The agency concluded that there might be an increased risk of collisions in certain circumstances when Autosteer is in use.
- Voluntary Recall and Over-the-Air Software Remedy: Although Tesla did not agree with the NHTSA’s analysis, the electric vehicle manufacturer decided to issue a voluntary recall. Tesla plans to address the identified problems through an “over-the-air software remedy.” Autosteer, which is part of Tesla’s “Basic Autopilot” package, is designed for use on controlled-access highways, providing steering, braking, and acceleration support under specific conditions. The recall involves 2,031,220 Tesla vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, built since 2012. The software remedy began rolling out immediately, and the remaining impacted vehicles will receive the update at a later date. The fix is provided free of charge to all customers.
- Plans for Enhanced Controls and Alerts: Tesla plans to implement additional controls and alerts through a future software update to Autosteer. These enhancements are designed to encourage drivers to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility when Autosteer is engaged. The measures include more prominent visual alerts on Tesla’s touchscreens, simplification of engagement and disengagement processes for Autosteer, and additional checks for responsible usage, even when outside controlled access highways or approaching traffic controls. The company’s filing with the NHTSA also mentions the possibility of locking drivers out of using Autosteer if it is not used responsibly. Despite the recall, Tesla’s stock experienced a minor decline of less than 1% on the day of the announcement. As of now, Tesla has not provided further information in response to requests.
Tesla is recalling approximately 2 million vehicles in the U.S. to address concerns related to its Autopilot features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) raised issues regarding the potential confusion and misuse of Autopilot by drivers, leading to a perceived increased risk of collisions in certain circumstances where a feature called Autosteer is engaged.
According to filings posted on the NHTSA website, Tesla disagreed with the agency’s analysis but opted for a voluntary recall. The electric vehicle manufacturer will deploy an “over-the-air software remedy” to rectify the identified problems. Autosteer is a component of Tesla’s “Basic Autopilot” package designed for use on controlled-access highways, offering steering, braking, and acceleration support under specific conditions. Drivers are expected to keep their hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive while using Autosteer to intervene if necessary.
The NHTSA found that the controls used by Autosteer to ensure driver engagement may not be sufficient to prevent misuse. The recall affects 2,031,220 Tesla vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, built since 2012. The voluntary recall involves a free software update, which began rolling out on Tuesday, with the remaining impacted vehicles scheduled to receive the update at a later date.
The NHTSA initiated an investigation into 11 incidents involving Tesla cars using Autosteer in 2021, leading to the recall. Tesla collaborated with the investigation, engaging in several meetings with NHTSA representatives. Despite the recall, Tesla’s stock saw a minor decline of less than 1% on the day of the announcement.
To address the issues identified, Tesla plans to implement additional controls and alerts through a future software update to Autosteer. These enhancements aim to encourage drivers to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility when Autosteer is engaged. Tesla’s filing with the NHTSA outlines plans for more visible alerts on touchscreens, simplified engagement and disengagement of Autosteer, and additional checks for responsible Autosteer usage, including situations outside controlled access highways and approaching traffic controls. The company also mentioned the possibility of locking drivers out of using Autosteer if not used responsibly. As of now, Tesla has not provided further information in response to requests.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/13/tesla-software-fix-rolls-out-after-regulators-recall-2-million-cars-over-autopilot-defect.html
