Tesla issues major recall over autopilot feature failure

December 13, 2023 10:27 AM

Tesla is recalling over two million of its vehicles in the United States due to its autopilot feature failing to work in some circumstances.

The recall involves Tesla models Y, S, 3, and X that were produced between Oct. 5, 2012, and Thursday. As such, the recall will affect almost all Tesla vehicles in the U.S., according to a letter the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent Tesla.

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“In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash,” according to the letter.

Tesla Autopilot Recall — The Tesla company logo shines off the rear deck of an unsold 2020 Model X at a Tesla dealership on April 26, 2020, in Littleton, Colorado. Tesla is recalling more than 2 million vehicles across its model lineup to fix a defective system that is supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot. Documents posted by U.S. safety regulators say the company will send out a software update to fix the problems.

To remedy this feature, Tesla will issue a free over-the-air software update, which will limit when the autopilot feature can be used. Tesla owners who will get the update will be notified through a letter in the mail, which is expected to be sent on Feb. 10, 2024.

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“If the driver attempts to engage Autosteer when conditions are not met for engagement, the feature will alert the driver it is unavailable through visual and audible alerts, and Autosteer will not engage,” according to the recall documents.

The NHTSA’s letter comes after the agency did an investigation on 956 crashes in which Tesla’s autopilot feature initially was alleged to have been in use.