Tesla is now recalling over two million cars in the United States following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that uncovered deficiencies in its Autopilot driver assistance system.
This is nearly all Tesla vehicles sold in the US since the Autopilot feature was introduced in 2015. Despite being named Autopilot, the system requires driver engagement for steering, acceleration, and braking.
The recall was prompted by a two-year investigation into crashes that occurred while the Autopilot technology was in use. The NHTSA expressed their concerns about the adequacy of controls within the Autopilot feature to prevent driver misuse and the importance of responsible automated technology deployment for improved safety.
While Tesla has not agreed with the NHTSA’s analysis, the company has committed to addressing the concerns through a software update delivered “over the air,” eliminating the need for a dealership or garage visit.
The over-the-air update will include additional alerts and monitoring to encourage drivers to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged.
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The software update aims to enhance the system’s controls, with additional checks on activating self-driving features. The NHTSA has pledged continued monitoring of the updated software to ensure responsible deployment of automated technology.
Just last week, a former Tesla employee expressed safety concerns about the technology, emphasizing the need for further hardware and software development. Despite this recall being the second this year for Tesla, industry analysts suggest that it is unlikely to impact the company’s momentum significantly.
Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown noted that recalls are common in the automotive industry, and Tesla has the financial capacity to invest in fixes.
Tesla has actively promoted its Autopilot technology, considering self-driving capabilities crucial for future growth. Analysts estimate that Tesla’s most advanced Autopilot offering, full self-driving, could generate over $50 billion annually by 2030.
While Tesla defends the safety of Autopilot, critics argue that more comprehensive testing and development should have been conducted before deployment. Regardless, Tesla remains at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology, with its share price showing resilience despite the recall.
