Tesla is updating its Autopilot software after U.S. safety officials expressed concern that it could allow drivers to speed or drive unsafely through intersections. The recall affects nearly 363,000 vehicles in the United States, according to U.S. government documents.
Tesla said there were no injuries or injuries related to the issues. U.S. authorities investigated the company’s self-driving system. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials met with Tesla in January to raise concerns about the “Full Self-Driving Beta” software, according to the recall notice.
NHTSA said the system allows actions that “may violate” local laws or customs, such as running a yellow light, going straight through an intersection from a turning lane, or failing to stop at a stop sign.
“FSD beta software that allows vehicles to speed or pass intersections in an illegal or unpredictable manner increases the risk of an accident,” it said. Tesla said it disagreed with the agency’s conclusions but decided to recall “out of an abundance of caution,” the documents show.
Owners are currently being notified. Software updates are free.
Boss Elon Musk did not directly comment on the decision, but wrote in a tweet on Thursday: “The word ‘recall’ for over-the-air software updates is an anachronism and just plain wrong!”
This is the second recall affecting the company’s Full Self-Driving test system, which represents the company’s most advanced level of self-driving technology.
Available to drivers in North America for $15,000 (£12,500), it lets the car respond to traffic lights and stop signs, in addition to features like cruise control and steering. Last year, Tesla recalled nearly 54,000 vehicles because the system allowed cars to pass stop signs.
The latest recall affects Tesla Model S and X models with installed or pending Full Self-Driving beta software. It also affects Model 3 cars and Model Y equipped with the system. Tesla said it was aware of 18 warranty claims related to the issue. Tesla and NHTSA said the automaker’s advanced driving features do not allow the car to drive itself and require driver attention.
