Tesla has shared more insight into its voluntary ‘recall’ for specific models equipped with Autosteer, spanning production dates from October 5, 2012, to December 7, 2023.
This ‘recall’ includes Model S (2012-2023), Model X (2016-2023), Model 3 (2017-2023), and Model Y (2020-2023) vehicles. Tesla aims to address potential driver misuse of the Autosteer feature, a part of Tesla’s SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system.
The ‘recall’, affecting vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, does not disable Autosteer or its dependent features. Instead, it introduces additional controls and alerts to reinforce the driver’s responsibility for continuous supervision when Autosteer is engaged.
“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,” states Tesla’s article.
Affected vehicles will receive an over-the-air (OTA) software update at no cost. The update, expected to start rolling out on or shortly after December 12, 2023, will first be deployed to vehicles equipped with an in-cabin camera and Autopilot Hardware 3.0 or 4.0. Vehicles with other Autopilot Hardware configurations will receive the update later.
The update includes enhancements like increased prominence of visual alerts on the user interface and simplified engagement and disengagement of Autosteer. It also introduces additional checks upon engaging Autosteer and while using the feature outside controlled access highways and when approaching traffic controls. Furthermore, the update may suspend Autosteer use if the driver repeatedly fails to demonstrate continuous and sustained driving responsibility.
Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by using Tesla’s VIN Recall Search or the NHTSA VIN Recall Search tools. For vehicles equipped with an in-cabin camera and Autopilot Hardware 3.0 or 4.0, running software version 2023.44.30 or later indicates that the vehicle has already received the remedy and requires no further action.
Tesla emphasizes that while Autosteer is designed to provide steering, braking, and acceleration support, the driver remains responsible for the vehicle’s operation, including maintaining hands on the steering wheel and staying attentive to road conditions.
