The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an inquiry into Tesla's recent recall of more than 2 million vehicles for Autopilot upgrades. The recall, initiated in December, aimed to improve driver attentiveness while using Autopilot. It encompassed a wide range of Tesla models, including the Y, X, S, 3, and Cybertruck, manufactured between 2012 and 2024.
The investigation was prompted by reports of 20 accidents involving vehicles equipped with the updated Autopilot software. NHTSA's concerns primarily revolve around the post-recall performance of these vehicles, particularly regarding the effectiveness of hands-on-wheel warnings.
In response, NHTSA has requested detailed information and documentation from Tesla regarding the recall by July 1. They're particularly interested in comparative data on vehicle performance post-recall, including the frequency of hands-on-wheel warnings issued.
Among the specific issues under scrutiny is the method of activating Autopilot, where drivers can choose between a single or double pull of the drive stalk. NHTSA is especially concerned that the single-pull activation, which isn't the default setting, can be altered while driving.
Tesla has implemented additional updates aimed at reducing accidents, such as addressing high-speed captive turn lane collisions, which weren't part of the initial recall.
NHTSA's inquiry also underscores concerns about Tesla's driver engagement system and its compatibility with Autopilot's capabilities, which, according to the agency, creates a significant safety gap. They pointed out previous Tesla accidents involving fatalities or severe injuries where driver misuse of the system was a factor.
Lastly, NHTSA highlighted that Tesla's December recall allows drivers to easily revert the software update, further complicating the situation.
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