Tesla reportedly recalls 300k+ vehicles

Tesla is recalling 362,758 cars in the US, voluntarily, that are equipped with its Full Self-Driving Beta or FSD Beta software. The company will provide an over-the-air software update to address issues caused by FSD Beta, which are related to the way the system acts around intersections and difficulty in responding to changing speed limits. Tesla has shared that this is not a safety defect, but a beta version that is being constantly improved.

The vehicles being recalled include models from 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y equipped with or pending installation of FSD Beta. The FSD Beta feature can be described as a host of new features that are still being developed, the main attraction being “autosteer on city streets” which allows a Tesla to navigate through complex urban areas automatically.

FSD Beta is not considered an autonomous driving feature, and the driver is responsible for operating the vehicle whenever the feature is engaged. Tesla only permits owners with the company’s premium FSD driver assistance system to join the FSD Beta programme. They have to obtain a high driver safety score, as determined by Tesla software that monitors their driving habits, and maintain it to receive FSD Beta access.

The term “recall” for the over-the-air software update has been contested by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling it anachronistic and flat out wrong. The safety recall report notes, “the driver is responsible for the operation of the vehicle whenever the feature is engaged and must constantly supervise the feature and intervene (e.g., steer, brake or accelerate) as needed to maintain safe operation of the vehicle.” While the recall may have caused a slight dip in the company’s shares, they quickly recovered.