Tesla is recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles with its “Full Self-Driving” system to fix issues with how it ignores posted speed limits and behaves around intersections.
Tesla’s recall affects some 2016-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles, as well as 2013 through 2017 Model 3 and 2020l through 2023 Model Y vehicles. The recall came after U.S. safety regulators expressed concern about how Tesla’s system reacts in four areas along roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday that Tesla will address concerns with an online software update in the coming weeks.
Focus of Super Bowl ad
Tesla’s self-driving system was at the center of a Super Bowl ad this month by The Dawn Projecta non-profit organization that campaigns for the development of computer software that is safe for humans
The 30-second spot claimed that Tesla’s self-driving technology is built on “unfortunately inept engineering” and is a treat for pedestrians and drivers. The software could also cause the electric car maker’s vehicles to swerve into oncoming traffic or drive on the wrong side of the road, the group claimed.
Tested on public roads by as many as 400,000 Tesla owners, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system performs unsafe actions, such as driving straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, not coming to a complete stop coming at stop signs, or passing through an intersection without due caution during a yellow traffic light, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
“FSD beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or cross intersections in an illegal or unpredictable manner increases the risk of an accident,” NHTSA said.
Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department, could not be reached for comment. The automaker announces on its website that its cars cannot drive themselves and that owners must be ready to intervene at all times.
Crash probes
Tesla received 18 warranty claims from May 2019 through September 12, 2022 that may have been caused by the software. But the electric vehicle maker told the agency it is not aware of any deaths or injuries.
NHTSA said in December it is investigating two November crashes in California and Ohio involving Tesla’s automated driving systems. Since 2016, the agency has investigated 35 separate crashes, 19 of which were fatal, in Tesla’s self-driving capabilities.
In a statement, NHTSA said it found the problem during tests conducted as part of an investigation into “Full Self-Driving” and “Autopilot” software that takes on certain driving tasks.
Shares of Tesla fell about 2% in Thursday afternoon trading. The stock is up about 71% year-to-date, reversing the hefty 2022 loss.
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