Tesla is taking bold action by recalling nearly all 2 million of its cars on US roads, a decision prompted by a comprehensive two-year investigation by US safety regulators into around 1,000 crashes involving the Autopilot feature.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expressed reservations about the Autopilot system, citing its potential to instil a false sense of security in drivers and its susceptibility to misuse in hazardous situations.

According to the agency, Tesla's technology may lack the capability to safely navigate certain road conditions.

To address safety concerns, Tesla will roll out an over-the-air software update designed to heighten warnings for inattentive drivers using the Autopilot's "Autosteer" function.

The update aims to remind drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and maintain focus on the road.

Read More

  1. Tesla unveils futuristic Robotaxi, Robovan fleet and new advanced humanoid robot
  2. Out-of-control Tesla kills 2, maims 3 after speeding through busy streets in China
  3. Elon Musk takes a break from Twitter after frenzy

The NHTSA statement outlines that post-recall, Teslas employing Autosteer will undergo more rigorous monitoring of the driver's attention level.

The feature may disengage if the software detects insufficient driver attention, proximity to traffic controls, or when navigating off the highway without Autosteer's full capability.

Revealed in a letter to Tesla by the NHTSA, the recall entails a software update that limits Autosteer if a driver consistently fails to demonstrate readiness to regain control.

Despite Tesla's emphasis on the safety enhancements of its driver-assist features, including Autopilot and "Full Self Driving," the NHTSA has been scrutinizing accidents involving these technologies for over two years.

This recall follows a detailed investigation by the Washington Post, uncovering eight serious accidents, some fatal, where the Autopilot feature was inappropriately engaged.

Tesla's manuals explicitly state that Autosteer is intended for highways and limited-access roads with a fully attentive driver.

The NHTSA letter to Tesla highlights that, in certain circumstances with Autosteer engaged, the controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse, increasing the risk of a crash.

Alongside the software updates, Tesla will notify car owners of the changes via mail. This isn't the first instance of the NHTSA compelling Tesla to modify its Autopilot or Full Self Driving features.

In February, a recall of all 363,000 US vehicles with the Full Self Driving feature occurred due to traffic law violations.

While Tesla is not the sole automaker offering self-driving features, its distinct focus on Autopilot and Full Self Driving names has drawn heightened attention, setting it apart in the competitive driver-assist market.