Tesla recalls two million vehicles
Tesla is recalling two million vehicles automatically to address a defect in the Autopilot system, as confirmed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite the update happening automatically without the need for a dealership visit, the regulator categorizes it as a recall. The issue pertains to the Autopilot’s driver monitoring system, responsible for detecting the driver’s attention by checking factors like hand placement on the wheel. Following a two-year investigation of 956 crashes where Autopilot was initially reported in use, the NHTSA found the controls might not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse, leading to Tesla’s decision to recall.
The NHTSA emphasizes responsible deployment of automated technology and pledges to monitor the software after the update. This move follows recent concerns raised by a former Tesla employee, Lukasz Krupski, who questioned the safety of the technology, stating that both hardware and software are not ready. This marks the second recall for Tesla this year, with the company defending Autopilot’s safety in response to criticism, asserting that safety metrics are stronger when the system is engaged, backed by statistics indicating fewer crashes during Autopilot use.
Tesla’s insistence on the safety of Autopilot and the recall decision reflect the ongoing debate about the readiness and responsibility in deploying advanced driver-assistance systems.
