The driver assistance system was found to be faulty in many vehicles.
Tesla cars are being recalled all over the country (Image: Getty )
Tesla is issuing a recall for over two million vehicles following the discovery by US regulators that its Autopilot driver assistance system exhibited partial defects.
This action comes in the wake of a two-year investigation into accidents involving vehicles owned by billionaire Elon Musk‘s company, incidents that occurred while the Autopilot feature was engaged.
Tesla has announced plans to address the issue swiftly by issuing a software update “over the air.” This update aims to rectify the deficiencies found in Autopilot, a feature present in nearly every Tesla vehicle sold in the US since its launch in 2015.
While Autopilot is designed to assist drivers with steering, acceleration, and braking, it is crucial to note that it cannot operate independently without user input, despite its name.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted that the recall is specifically linked to an issue with Autopilot’s driver monitoring system. This system is responsible for detecting whether the driver is paying attention, primarily by monitoring factors such as whether the driver has their hands on the wheel.
Tesla, in response to the recall, expressed concern that the system’s controls “may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.” The NHTSA has committed to monitoring the software’s performance after the update is implemented.
This development comes on the heels of a revelation by a former Tesla employee who expressed doubts about the safety of the technology for use on public roads.
The recall marks the second incident this year where Tesla vehicles are subject to such corrective measures, raising questions about the overall reliability and safety of the company’s advanced driving assistance systems.