WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. auto safety investigators are seeking detailed answers and documents from Tesla in a probe into the automaker’s December recall of more than 2 million vehicles to install new Autopilot safeguards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said last month it was investigating after receiving reports of 20 crashes involving vehicles that had the Autopilot software updates installed under Tesla’s recall. The agency’s letter said it had identified “several concerns” regarding the recall.
Tesla said in December its largest-ever recall covering 2.03 million U.S. vehicles – or nearly all of its vehicles on U.S. roads – was to better ensure drivers pay attention when using its advanced driver assistance system.
The NHTSA recall investigation covers models Y, X, S, 3 and Cybertruck vehicles in the U.S. equipped with Autopilot produced between the 2012 and 2024 model years.
Tesla, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, has said repeatedly that Autopilot does not make vehicles self-driving and is intended for use with a fully attentive driver who is prepared to take over and has hands on the steering wheel.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the Autopilot recall probe will have significant implications for Tesla and the future of autonomous driving. The investigation underscores the complexities and challenges associated with developing and deploying autonomous vehicle technology.
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