The recall pertains to the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y produced between 2012 and 2023. The NHTSA estimates that the defect will impact 100% of the 2,031,220 listed Tesla models equipped with the Autosteer feature.
The recall follows a two-year investigation by the NHTSA into Tesla, spurred by a series of alleged Autopilot-related crashes. The NHTSA has reviewed 956 crashes where Tesla's Autopilot feature was reportedly engaged at the time of the accidents.
The NHTSA's recall notice states that Tesla's Autosteer feature "may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse." To address this, the affected vehicles will receive an "over-the-air software remedy" free of charge to consumers.
"The remedy will incorporate additional controls and alerts to those already existing on affected vehicles to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged, which includes keeping their hands on the steering wheel and paying attention to the roadway," the NHTSA explained.
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The software update may also include enhanced safety features, such as "increasing the prominence of visual alerts on the user interface, simplifying engagement and disengagement of Autosteer, additional checks up engaging Autosteer and while using the feature outside controlled access highways and when approaching traffic controls."
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The NHTSA further noted that drivers who repeatedly fail to comply with the vehicles' required safeguards, such as keeping their hands on the steering wheel, may be suspended from using the Autosteer feature.
Tesla, when contacted by the Wall Street Journal, did not provide a comment. However, in a post on X, Tesla claimed that collisions are less common when drivers engage Autopilot.
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"In the 4th quarter of 2022, we recorded one crash for every 4.85 million miles driven in which drivers were using Autopilot technology. For drivers who were not using Autopilot technology, we recorded one crash for every 1.40 million miles driven," the company stated.
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Tesla emphasized that even when using its Autopilot feature, drivers are still responsible for maintaining control of the vehicle at all times.
"The driver is notified of this responsibility, consents, agrees to monitor the driving assistance, and can disengage anytime," the company added.
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