Tesla Initiates Recall of Over Two Million US Vehicles Due to Autopilot System Concerns

Tesla is recalling over two million vehicles in the United States, encompassing nearly its entire US fleet, following concerns raised by a federal regulator about safety hazards associated with defects in the autopilot system.

In a recall filing issued on Wednesday, Tesla acknowledged that the autopilot software system controls “may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has been investigating the autopilot function for more than two years, emphasized the importance of deploying automated technology responsibly to enhance safety.

This recall stands as the largest in Tesla’s history, reflecting challenges faced by the autonomous vehicle sector in the US amid growing safety concerns. Tesla has committed to implementing new safeguards and addressing existing defects as part of the recall.

The recall spans multiple models, including Y, S, 3, and X, manufactured between October 5, 2012, and December 7, 2023.

Acting NHTSA Administrator Ann Carlson expressed satisfaction with Tesla’s decision to initiate a recall during her appearance before the US House of Representatives on Wednesday. The NHTSA began investigating Tesla’s autopilot function in August 2021 after several fatal crashes occurred while the autopilot was engaged. Carlson noted that the agency identified instances where drivers were not consistently attentive when the autopilot system was in use.

Documents released by the agency on Wednesday indicated that the current autopilot design could lead to “foreseeable misuse of the system.” The planned changes aim to “further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility.” However, some experts, including Phil Koopman, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, questioned whether these measures are adequate, expressing disappointment that the recall does not address the lack of sufficient hardware for driver monitoring in older vehicles.

The world of driverless cars, hailed as a groundbreaking technological advancement, has encountered setbacks in recent months. In October, California suspended testing by the self-driving car company Cruise due to safety concerns raised by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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