Tesla is issuing a recall for over 2 million vehicles sold in the U.S., spanning its entire model range, to address a faulty system designed to ensure driver attentiveness during the use of Autopilot. Documents released by U.S. safety regulators on Wednesday reveal that the company plans to deploy a software update to rectify the identified issues.
This recall follows a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into a series of accidents involving the use of the Autopilot system, some of which resulted in fatalities. The NHTSA found shortcomings in Autopilot’s method of confirming driver attention, leading to the potential for misuse.
The affected models, including Y, S, 3, and X, were produced between October 5, 2012, and December 7 of the current year. The software update aims to introduce additional controls and alerts to reinforce the driver’s responsibility for continuous attention. Specific vehicles were set to receive the update on Tuesday, with others scheduled for a later date.
The Autopilot system comprises features like Autosteer and Traffic Aware Cruise Control, with Autosteer primarily designed for use on limited-access highways. The software update is expected to restrict the use of Autosteer to certain conditions. If the driver attempts to engage Autosteer in inappropriate conditions, the system will issue visual and audible alerts, preventing Autosteer activation.
Depending on the vehicle’s hardware, the update includes enhanced visual alerts, simplified activation/deactivation of Autosteer, additional checks for proper usage, and potential suspension of Autosteer if the driver consistently fails to exhibit continuous and sustained driving responsibility.
Recall documents highlight that Tesla did not fully agree with the NHTSA’s analysis during discussions that began in October. However, on December 5, Tesla consented to the recall to resolve the investigation.
Auto safety advocates have long called for stronger regulation of driver monitoring systems, advocating for technologies like cameras to ensure drivers’ attention. Tesla’s Autopilot, despite its name, is a driver-assist system and not capable of fully autonomous driving. Concerns have been raised about the system’s susceptibility to misuse and potential shortcomings in preventing such misuse.
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NHTSA’s ongoing investigation into Tesla remains open as it monitors the effectiveness of Tesla’s remedies and collaborates with the automaker to ensure the highest safety standards.