Tesla has recalled more than two million vehicles to update a function designed to ensure drivers are focused when using its Autopilot feature, according to safety officials. This recall is the company’s fourth in less than two years and affects nearly all models it sells in the United States. The update will add new, more prominent visual alerts and checks for the Autosteer function, part of Autopilot, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expressed concerns about an “increased risk of a crash” when drivers do not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation.
The recall comes after the agency began investigating 11 incidents involving Tesla vehicles operating with Autosteer engaged. Tesla has started issuing an “over-the-air software remedy” to certain vehicles, with remaining vehicles set to receive software updates later. The updates will add controls and alerts to the Autosteer function and will be free for car owners. Letters notifying Tesla owners of the update are expected to be mailed in February.
This recall is the latest in a series of events that have brought scrutiny to Tesla and its software. In October, a California jury found that the company’s driver-assistance software was not at fault in a fatal crash involving a Tesla. Tesla has also faced a series of other recalls, including one ordered by China to address acceleration and braking issues in 1.1 million vehicles. In addition, the company recalled over 362,000 cars equipped with Full Self Driving after government regulators found it increased the risk of accidents due to unlawful and unpredictable behavior. Earlier in 2022, Tesla recalled 54,000 cars equipped with Full Self Driving to address a feature that allowed the vehicles to roll slowly through intersections without stopping under certain conditions.
