No Wonder More Than 350,000 Tesla Self-Driving Cars Are Recalled
Tesla is voluntarily recalling 363,000 of its vehicles in the US due to safety risks associated with the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software update. The FSD can be used to drive the Tesla on local roads, accelerating and braking accordingly depending on what it detects with its cameras. However, the system is prone to erroneous judgments (for example, driving straight through an intersection in a turn-only lane), which, if the driver is not vigilant, can cause the vehicle to crash.
What Tesla models are being recalled?
All Tesla vehicles with the current version of the FSD software are subject to the recall, including the following models:
- 2016-2023 Model C
- 2016-2023 Model X
- 2017-2023 Model 3
- 2020-2023 Model Y
Is it safe to use FSD from Tesla?
Tesla’s Full Autonomous Driving (FSD) mode is not standard , but costs $15,000. The FSD software is a step towards the company’s goal of enabling cars to run on full autopilot, but the name is a bit misleading and they do call for active driver supervision . A recent software update promised that “the FSD computer is capable of delivering intelligent performance and control to provide a new level of security and autonomy,” but as last year’s CNN Business test drive in Brooklyn showed, its “intelligent performance” and “security” were not always visible.
The recall reports 18 “warranty claims” (most likely accidents) received between May 8, 2019 and September 12, 2022 that may be related to FSD. Last summer, an NHTSA report showed that Tesla vehicles using driver-assistance technologies were involved in 273 crashes. Some of these accidents ended in death.
The NHTSA has deemed FSD unsafe based on this:
- Passing or turning at certain intersections during a dim yellow traffic signal
- Perceived duration of a static vehicle position at certain stop sign intersections, especially when the intersection is clear of other road users.
- Adjusting vehicle speed when driving through certain variable speed zones based on detected speed limit signs and/or a vehicle speed offset setting that is adjusted by the driver.
- Coordinating lane changes from specific lanes to turn only to continue straight ahead.
Elon Musk complained about the use of the word “recall” because Tesla can resolve most recalls with an over-the-air (OTA) software update. However, the NHTSA definition of a recall “…is issued when the manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire poses an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.” All cars pass the same standard.
What to do if your Tesla is affected by an FSD recall
Not much other than keeping your hands on the wheel. According to the recall notice, Tesla will roll out an OTA software update to fix the current issue at no cost to the customer. An OTA update will be released in the coming weeks and promises to “improve how FSD Beta negotiates certain driving maneuvers.”