In a shocking turn of events, Tesla has recalled almost every car it has sold in the USA to date. This comes out to be somewhere in the vicinity of 2 million EVs. That is a massive number which informs the scale of the investigation. Tesla is a huge proponent of autonomous driving technology. Its AutoPilot is its way of offering the customers the experience of what autonomous driving feels like. However, the U.S. Safety Regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), investigated around 1,000 crashes involving the AutoPilot features. Let us take a look at the details of this case.
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Every Tesla EV Recalled in USA
Needless to say, this recall will be a major hurdle in Elon Musk’s ambitious plans regarding the AutoPilot applications. The NHTSA believes that this system can create a false sense of security. Furthermore, the NHTSA underscores the potential for misuse of Tesla’s Autopilot, particularly in situations where the car’s technology encounters challenges navigating specific road conditions. In response, Tesla is set to release an over-the-air software update. The purpose of this update is to offer clearer warnings to drivers when the Autosteer function is engaged, reminding them to stay attentive and focused on the road.
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What Happens Post Recall?
Following the recall, Teslas equipped with Autosteer will conduct more frequent checks on the driver’s attention level. If the software detects inattention, proximity to traffic controls, or navigation of the highway beyond Autosteer’s capabilities, it may disengage the feature. This proactive approach aims to ensure drivers stay focused and ready to resume control when necessary. The NHTSA has been closely investigating accidents involving Autopilot and Autosteer for over two years, with the recall announcement prompted by a thorough Washington Post investigation.
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The investigation highlighted serious accidents, including some fatal incidents, where the Autopilot feature was misused. While Tesla’s manuals stress using Autosteer on highways with a fully attentive driver, real-world incidents challenge the effectiveness of Autopilot and Full Self Driving (FSD) features. Tesla has previously faced NHTSA interventions, including a February recall of 363,000 U.S. vehicles due to FSD-related traffic law violations.
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Author’s Note
This recent recall emphasizes the crucial intersection of technology and safety within the automotive industry. It is imperative for Tesla owners to grasp the significance of this recall. Tesla’s dedication to implementing corrective measures and improving safety features not only reflects the changing landscape of autonomous driving but also underscores the shared responsibility between the automaker and the driver. We shall have to keep an eye out for how the customers react to this development.
