Tesla Recalls 363,000 Cars Over Risky Self-Driving Software Behavior
Tesla issues a massive recall for vehicles using its Full Self-Driving Beta software due to intersection and speed limit errors that increase crash risks. The company resolves the safety flaws through a wireless over-the-air update rather than a physical repair.
Tesla voluntarily recalls 362,758 vehicles in the United States due to safety risks associated with its experimental Full Self-Driving Beta software. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that the system allows cars to act unsafely around intersections by traveling straight through turn-only lanes, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, and proceeding through yellow lights without proper caution.
The problematic software also struggles to respond appropriately to changes in posted speed limits. The recall covers a wide range of Tesla models, including 2016-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles, 2017-2023 Model 3 sedans, and 2020-2023 Model Y SUVs that currently have the FSD Beta system installed or are pending installation.
Tesla addresses these dangerous behaviors by deploying an over-the-air software update to all affected vehicles. Although CEO Elon Musk publicly objects to the word "recall" for a wireless software fix, the technology does not actually make the cars fully autonomous and still requires constant human supervision to operate safely on public roads.