Tesla recalls 362,000 U.S. vehicles over Full Self-Driving software
CTV
Tesla Inc will recall more than 362,000 U.S. vehicles to update its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software after U.S. regulators said on Thursday the driver assistance system did not adequately adhere to traffic safety laws and could cause crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the Tesla software allows a vehicle to "exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash."
Tesla said it disagreed with NHTSA's analysis but ultimately acquiesced to the safety agency's January request. The electric vehicle manufacturer has previously clashed with NHTSA, which has a number of pending Tesla probes, over other safety issues and recall demands.
Tesla, whose shares closed down 5.7% at US$202.04, will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update free of charge. The EV maker said it is not aware of any injuries or deaths that may be related to the recall issue. The automaker said it had 18 warranty claims.
The recall covers 2016-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with FSD Beta software or pending installation.
U.S. senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal, both Democrats, said the recall was "long overdue," adding, "Tesla must finally stop overstating the real capabilities of its vehicles."
This is a fresh setback for Tesla's driver assistance system. Chief Executive Elon Musk has repeatedly missed his own targets to achieve self-driving capability, which he has touted as a potential cash cow.
