On February 16, 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that Tesla is recalling more than 362,000 vehicles for faulty Full Self-Driving Beta software that may cause crashes.
When the feature first launched, Tesla claimed its Full Self-Driving Beta software to be more advanced than its Autopilot capabilities to make driving through busy urban centers easier. However, similar to its Autopilot capabilities, the software has been linked to an overwhelming amount of errors, dangerous driving conditions, and crashes, leading to severe injuries and even death.
The NHTSA’s recall report noted that the vehicles may act unsafe at intersections, “such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution.”
Additionally, the report found that the vehicles may not respond to changing speed limits appropriately.
The recall includes models 3, S, X, and Y from as early as 2016. Tesla intends to remedy the faulty software by releasing an over-the-air update to all cars impacted.
Years of Self-Driving Dangers
Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features have had a troubled history on the road.
In 2021, the NHTSA launched an investigation into Tesla vehicles crashing into parked emergency vehicles. The agency found Tesla vehicles using driver-assistance technology were involved in 273 reported crashes over a 9-month period.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles accused Tesla of falsely advertising its autopilot and self-driving features as “autonomous vehicles.” In fact, the software requires driver oversight since the features have not been fully tested — requiring drivers to serve as real-time testers in incredibly unsafe conditions.
As a result, the United States Department of Justice opened an investigation into Tesla’s self-driving claims and accidents involving Autopilot or Full Self-Driving software.
Despite years of investigations and the current recall, the electric car company continues to dodge accountability for its misleading representation of its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.
How Tesla Owners Can Get Legal Help
Consumers were told the features they paid thousands of dollars for were safe and “state-of-the-art technology.” Instead, Tesla continues to profit from unfinished products while innocent people are put at risk every day.
Sokolove Law believes that powerful companies like Tesla should be held accountable for negligence that puts consumers at risk.
If you own a Tesla with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities, you may be eligible to file a Tesla lawsuit.
