Buzz
Tesla is voluntarily recalling 363,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to safety concerns from its latest ‘Full Self-Driving’ (FSD) Beta software update. The FSD system enables Teslas to navigate local roads, accelerating and braking based on camera input. However, the system is susceptible to judgment errors, such as driving straight through an intersection when in a turn-only lane, which could lead to accidents if the driver isn’t paying attention.
Which Tesla models are affected by the recall?
The recall includes all Teslas equipped with the current version of the FSD software, affecting models such as the following:
Model S, from 2016 to 2023
Model X, from 2016 to 2023
Model 3, from 2017 to 2023
Model Y, from 2020 to 2023
Is Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system safe for usage?
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) option is not standard, but available as a $15,000 upgrade. This software is part of Tesla’s mission to create cars capable of full autopilot. However, the term ‘self-driving’ is somewhat misleading, as active driver supervision is still strongly advised. The latest software update claims that the FSD computer offers intelligent performance and control to reach a higher level of safety and autonomy, yet a CNN Business test drive in Brooklyn last year exposed instances where ‘intelligent performance’ and ‘safety’ were not fully realized.
A recall report mentions 18 ‘warranty claims’ (likely related to accidents) between May 8, 2019, and September 12, 2022, potentially associated with FSD. Moreover, a report from the NHTSA last summer revealed that Teslas equipped with driver-assist technologies were involved in 273 crashes, some of which unfortunately led to fatalities.
The NHTSA has determined that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is unsafe based on its performance.
Driving through certain intersections while the light is yellow and fading
The perception of the time the vehicle remains stationary at certain intersections with a stop sign, especially when there are no other vehicles around
Adjusting the vehicle's speed as you pass through variable speed zones, based on the detected speed limits and the driver's customized speed setting
Making a lane change from a turn-only lane to continue traveling straight.
Elon Musk has raised concerns about the use of the term “recall”, as Tesla is able to fix most recalls through an “over-the-air” (OTA) software update. However, the official definition of recall according to the NHTSA is “...issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire poses an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.” All cars must adhere to the same regulations.
What steps to take if your Tesla is impacted by the FSD recall
There isn't much you need to do, other than keep your hands on the wheel. Tesla's recall notice states that an OTA software update will be rolled out at no cost to the customer. This update, arriving in the coming weeks, will enhance how FSD Beta handles specific driving maneuvers.
