Tesla Faces Recall: Unpacking the Recall of Over 2 Million Vehicles and Autopilot Safety Concerns
In a significant development, Tesla has issued a voluntary recall affecting more than 2 million vehicles due to a safety concern tied to its Autopilot software, particularly the Autosteer feature within the driver-assistance system. Here’s a breakdown of what Tesla owners and enthusiasts need to know about this recall.
Affected Models
The recall spans various Autopilot-equipped models, encompassing a substantial portion of Tesla’s lineup in the U.S. The affected models include:
- 2012-2023 Model S vehicles.
- 2017-2023 Model 3 vehicles.
- 2016-2023 Model X vehicles.
- 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
Almost all Tesla cars sold in the U.S. fall under this recall.
No Dealership Visit Required
Owners need not schedule a trip to the dealership. Tesla is rolling out a software fix, version 2023.44.30, which will be automatically sent to all affected vehicles. The update started deploying on December 12, with further rollouts expected.
Recall Reason
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines that the recall addresses concerns related to “certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged,” where the controls’ prominence and scope may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the advanced driver-assistance feature.
The goal is to refine the system ensuring drivers remain attentive when using Autopilot, avoiding scenarios where individuals excessively rely on the feature.
What the Software Update Does
The NHTSA-acknowledged software update is designed to:
- Limit areas where basic Autopilot software can operate.
- Enhance warnings and alerts to drivers.
- Make it more challenging for drivers to ignore warnings when Autosteer requires attention or is canceled.
- Introduce additional controls and alerts.
- Increase the visibility of visual alerts.
- Facilitate easier engagement and disengagement of Autosteer.
- Potentially suspend the feature if a driver repeatedly fails to demonstrate continuous and sustained driving responsibility.
Significance of the Recall
This marks Tesla’s largest recall since its inception in 2003 and is a notable event for the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer. It is Tesla’s fourth recall within less than two years.
Cost to Tesla Owners
The software update is provided free of charge to Tesla owners.
Additional Information
Owners can anticipate receiving a letter explaining the situation, scheduled to be mailed out starting February 10. For further details, Tesla owners can visit the company’s website and input their vehicle identification number or contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Tesla’s Response
Tesla responded to the situation through a statement on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. The company defends its Autopilot system, highlighting safety metrics and emphasizing that even when Autosteer is engaged, the driver bears the responsibility to control the vehicle at all times.
For ongoing updates and information on this recall and others, Tesla owners can refer to the company’s official website or contact customer service.
