Tesla recalls 54,000 vehicles with ‘Full Self-Driving’ over ‘rolling stop’ feature
Tesla is recalling nearly 54,000 cars and SUVs because their “Full Self-Driving” software lets them roll through stop signs.
Documents posted on Tuesday by US safety regulators say Tesla will disable the feature with an over-the-internet software update. The “rolling stop” feature allows vehicles to go through intersections with all-way stop signs at up to 5.6mph (9 km/h).
Tesla agreed to the recall after two meetings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to documents. Tesla said it knows of no crashes or injuries caused by feature.
The recall covers Model S sedans and X SUVs from 2016 through 2022, as well as 2017 to 2022 Model 3 sedans and 2020 through 2022 Model Y SUVs.
Selected Tesla drivers are “beta testing” the “Full Self-Driving” software on public roads. The company says the cars cannot drive themselves and drivers must be ready to take action at all times. A firmware release to disable the rolling stops is expected to be sent out in early February.
A message was left seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department.
The NHTSA said in documents that failing to stop for a sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Safety advocates complain that Tesla should not be allowed to test the vehicles in traffic with untrained drivers and that the software can malfunction, exposing other motorists and pedestrians to danger. Most of the other auto companies with similar software test with trained human safety drivers.
Tesla introduced the “rolling stop” feature in a software update that was sent out to the testing owners on 20 October. NHTSA met with Tesla on 10 and 19 January to discuss how the software operates, the documents said. On 20 January, the company agreed
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