Tesla Recalls Over 2 Million Vehicles After Deadly Autopilot Crashes

After several injuries and deaths caused by some cars's autopilot, Tesla has finally issued a recall of some of their cars. Over 2 million vehicles were announced to be recalled, and these include several popular models like the Model 3/2017-2023, Model S/2012-2023, Model X/2016-2023 and Model Y/2020-2023.

However, these are only for cars sold in the US as issues with their autopilot software system have surfaced thanks to the many crashes. The company says that it will "update the system to make sure that drivers are paying adequate attention when their vehicles are engaged in the autopilot function."

Tesla reportedly disclosed the recall in a letter by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to the electric car manufacturer. The NHTSA is currently probing Tesla over the safety of its autopilot feature, according to People Magazine.

The NHTSA has already found that some drivers do not take adequate action to avoid crashes when the autopilot system is engaged and when warning lights are triggered. This has caused several deaths from autopilot-related crashes already.

The recall filing showed that Tesla's current autopilot software system controls "may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse."

NHTSA Lauds Tesla Over Massive Vehicle Recall

As Tesla begins what may be one of the biggest vehicle recalls in the US yet, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is praising Tesla for finally doing so and helping improve upon driverless car technology.

"Automated technology holds great promise for improving safety but only when it is deployed responsibly," an NHTSA spokesperson told Al Jazeera News. "Today's action is an example of improving automated systems by prioritizing safety."

This is now the company's largest recall ever as more and more people voice concerns over the safety of its autopilot system. The company vowed that it would install new safeguards and fix current defects.

NHTSA Administrator Ann Carlson also lauded Tesla while she was speaking before the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, saying that she was happy that Tesla agreed to do the recall.

What Will Happen After the Tesla Recall?

Tesla says that nearly all of the vehicles Tesla sold in the US including models Y, S, 3, and X produced between Oct. 5, 2012, and Dec. 7 of this year, will be recalled and they will be updating the software for these cars, including additional controls and alerts "to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility."

A software update has also been sent t to owners of certain affected vehicles on Tuesday and it will limit where Autosteer can be used. The document stated that "If the driver attempts to engage Autosteer when conditions are not met for engagement, the feature will alert the driver it is unavailable through visual and audible alerts, and Autosteer will not engage."

Back in May, Tesla was under fire due to its autopilot system, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calling them out over it. According to CBS News, he stated that "Tesla shouldn't be calling the system Autopilot because it can't drive itself."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Tesla recalls more than 2 million cars over autopilot safety concerns - MSNBC