Tesla is updating its self-driving software after U.S. security officials expressed concern that drivers could exceed speed limits and be unable to navigate intersections safely. The recall affects approximately 363,000 vehicles in the United States, according to US government files. Tesla said it had no known injuries or deaths related to the issue. US authorities have investigated the company’s autopilot system.
According to the recall notice, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) representative met with Tesla in January to express concerns about its “fully self-driving beta” software. NHTSA said the system allowed behavior that could “infringe” on local laws or customs such as driving through a yellow light, traveling straight through an intersection from a turn-only lane, or not coming to a full stop at a stop sign. Tesla said it disagreed with the agency’s conclusions but decided to issue a recall “out of an abundance of caution”, according to the filing. Owners are in the process of being notified. The software update is free.
This is the second recall affecting the company’s fully autonomous beta system, which represents the most advanced level of the company’s autopilot technology. The latest recall affects Tesla Model S and Model X with or pending full self-driving beta software. It also affects Model 3 cars and Model Ys with the system.
