It says “Full Self Driving” (FSD) or “Autopilot”, but there are actually only assistance systems in there that are not capable of reliably making the right decision in every situation. But for years, the names of the Tesla software have been leading drivers on the slippery slope – because it sounds as if the car can do everything on its own.
In the recent past, this false security has repeatedly led to accidents – most recently, for example, there was a pile-up in a tunnel in San Francisco (serious accident involving eight vehicles). The accumulation of cases called the US traffic authority National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) onto the scene – and Tesla is gradually reacting.
Officially, Tesla is recalling exactly 362,758 vehicles in the United States. However, it is not a “recall” in the true sense, because the manufacturer is able to provide the affected vehicles with an update without having to visit the workshop. All models that are equipped with the FSD beta software are affected across the board. Specifically, the Model 3 and Model Y from 2020 to 2023, the Model S from 2016 to 2023 and the Model X from 2017 to 2023.
The reason is serious, as the NHTSA report shows. The authority writes: “The FSD Beta system may cause the vehicle to behave unsafely at intersections.[…] In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in the prescribed speed limits or not adequately take into account when the driver is speeding of the vehicle in such a way that the prescribed speed limits are exceeded.”
The “New York Times Magazine” author Christopher Cox, who recently got behind the wheel of several vehicles and experienced live how unpredictable and simply contrary to all expectations a Tesla can react in certain situations, found out what this looks like in practice.
Meanwhile, company boss Elon Musk complained about the term “recall” and wrote on Twitter: “The word “recall” for an over-the-air software update is anachronistic and just plain wrong!” An official statement from the company has not yet been made. US media such as “Jalopnik” report that inquiries come back with an automatic reply and that the mailbox concerned is full.
In general, Tesla seems to think little of the ongoing investigations. According to the Wall Street Journal, the agency drew the automaker’s attention to the concerns back in January. However, Tesla initially did not agree with the findings of the NHTSA and only decided on February 7 to carry out a voluntary recall out of “pure caution”.
When those affected can expect the update remains open for the time being. The authority speaks of “the coming weeks”, Tesla itself has not yet given a date. However, the current recall could only be a first step anyway, because it does not mark the end of the comprehensive investigations that have been announced by the NHTSA and are currently underway.
The agency told Jalopnik, “This recall is intended to address a specific set of concerns identified by the agency. It does not address the full scope of NHTSA investigation EA22-002, as set forth in the opening summary.” Accordingly, NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot and associated vehicle systems remains open and active.
After the recall became known and all documents were published, Tesla shares fell 5.69 percent.
Also read:
Tesla drastically reduces prices – and steers into an uncertain future
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