In a significant move, Tesla, the electric car giant, has recently issued a massive recall, affecting a staggering two million vehicles globally. The Tesla recall comes in the wake of safety concerns that have surfaced regarding various models.
What Is The Issue?
Tesla’s Autopilot, a popular driver-assistance feature, faces concerns about potential misuse. In certain situations, its design and controls might not be clear enough, leading drivers to rely on it too heavily or fail to intervene when necessary. This increases the risk of accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) raised concerns about the Autopilot system’s “Autosteer” feature, which can help keep the car centred in its lane. The agency found that Autosteer could be misused or misunderstood by drivers, potentially increasing the risk of collisions.
“The NHTSA’s investigation identified potential safety defects in the Autopilot system that could lead to an increased risk of crashes,” the agency stated in a press release. “We are urging Tesla to take immediate action to fix these issues.”
While Tesla disagreed with the NHTSA’s conclusions, the company agreed to a voluntary recall and issued an over-the-air software update to address the concerns. The update limits the functionality of Autosteer in certain situations and reminds drivers to remain attentive at all times.
What Is The Solution?
Tesla will release a free software update to affected vehicles. This update will:
- Improve the clarity of Autopilot controls: This includes making alerts more prominent and easier to understand.
- Add additional reminders: Drivers will be reminded of their responsibility when using Autopilot and the need to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
What Are The Affected Models?
The recall affects specific models and production dates of the following Tesla electric cars:
The recently launched Cybertruck is not part of this Tesla recall.
How Is The Fix Done?
The software update for the Tesla recall will be released in phases:
- Phase 1: Vehicles with specific hardware configurations (in-cabin camera and Autopilot Hardware 3.0 or 4.0) will receive the update starting December 12, 2023.
- Phase 2: All other affected vehicles will receive the update at a later date, based on their specific hardware configuration.
When Is The Fix Issued?
The fix will begin rolling out on December 12, 2023, for specific vehicles. Other affected vehicles will receive the update in phases throughout the coming months.
Other Important Information On The Tesla Recall
Check your vehicle’s Autopilot hardware version through the touchscreen. If equipped with eligible hardware and running software version 2023.44.30 or later, your vehicle is already updated.
The latest Tesla recall emphasizes driver awareness and responsibility with advanced driver-assistance features. Autopilot is not a substitute for attentive driving. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Check your vehicle’s eligibility and update status using the Tesla VIN recall search tool.
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