Tesla is recalling more than 2,000,000 vehicles, almost all of its cars on the road in the U.S., after an investigation found its autopilot system was “not sufficient to prevent driver misuse.” The recall includes the 2012-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y equipped with Autosteer, a features Tesla describes as “traffic-aware cruise control.”
The recall states, “In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.” The feature is designed to maintain a set speed or a set following distance, and detect lane markings and the presence of other vehicles. But Tesla claims that drivers’ hands should remain on the steering wheel and “always be prepared to take immediate action” even when using the Autopilot feature.
The recall was issued after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a probe of almost 1,000 accidents involving Tesla’s Autosteer feature. The investigation found that in certain circumstances with the Autosteer engaged, the driver “does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.” The safety report noted that Tesla did not agree with the NHTSA engineering analysis of the Autosteer feature, but agreed to voluntary administer a recall and provide an over-the-air software update to impacted vehicle. The software update will “incorporate additional controls and alerts” to “further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged.”
The NHTSA report noted that Tesla has identified nine warranty claims that may be related to the Autosteer issue. NHTSA further stated that its investigation “remains open as we monitor the efficacy of Tesla’s remedies and continue to work with the automaker to ensure the highest level of safety.”
If you have questions regarding your Tesla vehicle, you should contact the experienced lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® at www.yourlemonlawrights.com or call 1-800-US-LEMON (800-875-3666), toll free. Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® has been effectively assisting customers in Lemon Law claims involving various defects in all makes and models. Our lemon law attorneys will take time to talk to you about your rights and will let you know if they can help.
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