Tesla To Recall Over 53,000 Vehicles Programmed To Roll Through Stop Signs
Tesla announced a recall of over 53,000 vehicles with its “full self-driving” (FSD) driver-assist feature after learning they were intentionally programmed to slowly roll through stop signs in some scenarios. The recall impacts Model S, X, 3 and Y vehicles that have its beta version of the “full self-driving” software enabled. “Full self-driving” is a controversial driver-assist feature that aims to one day allow cars to drive themselves.
The technology sometimes steers Tesla vehicles smoothly and obey traffic rules like stopping for red lights. In other cases the technology has been inconsistent according to accounts from alarmed drivers using the software. Telsa says that “full self-driving” requires an attentive driver who is ready to take full control of the car at any time.
“Full self-driving” has been allowing cars to roll through stop signs since the release of the first version in October 2020. Tesla electronically disabled this function following meetings this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“The Vehicle Safety Act prohibits manufacturers from selling vehicles with defects posing unreasonable risks to safety, including intentional design choices that are unsafe. If the information shows that a safety risk may exist, NHTSA will act immediately,” the administration said in a statement. Tesla will disable the function as soon as this month in an updated version of “full self-driving” software that’s released over the internet, according to a document the automaker filed. Drivers won’t need to take their vehicles to be serviced. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The recalled feature, called “rolling stop,” allowed vehicles to travel through all-way stop intersections at up to 5.6 mph under certain conditions through the all-way-stop intersections at speeds between 0.1 mph up to 5.6 mph without first coming to a complete stop, the recall document states. Tesla said that it is not aware of any collisions, injuries or fatalities related to the feature. The US government has been more proactive of late in taking action on new car features that may introduce safety risks. Tesla said in December that it would no longer allow people to play video games on the touchscreens of its vehicles while they are in motion, following a NHTSA investigation.
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