Tesla Inc. has issued a recall for nearly every vehicle it has sold in China, affecting over 1.6 million cars.
This extensive recall is in response to concerns related to the automaker's Autopilot driver-assistance system, specifically addressing the potential misuse by drivers and the elevated risk of collisions.
Tesla Recall Brought By Autopilot Issues
Tesla eats recalls for breakfast, and this is evident in what happened over the past months and even the past years. The latest decision was made to lessen the risks brought by Autopilot to the EVs.
According to Bloomberg, the American car manufacturer plans to implement a comprehensive over-the-air software fix to rectify Autopilot issues in vehicles manufactured between August 2014 and December 2023.
To be clear, the recall affects locally manufactured models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, and premium models imported into China.
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Regulatory Intervention
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in China highlights the possibility of Tesla drivers misusing Autopilot features, emphasizing the associated safety risks. The regulator has intervened in the issue so drivers could deal with these problems seriously.
Moreover, SAMR also points out that automated-driving functionalities should be properly used to mitigate collision risks.
"For vehicles within the scope of this recall, when the automatic assisted steering function is turned on, the driver may misuse the level two combined assisted driving function, increasing the risk of vehicle collision and posing a safety hazard," the SAMR explained via BBC.
This large-scale recall in China mirrors Tesla's recent response to concerns raised by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Last month, the NHTSA asserted that Tesla needed to take more measures to ensure users correctly utilize Autopilot. The ongoing scrutiny led to a recall in the United States, impacting around 2 million cars.
Tesla Goes For Full Implementation of Autonomous EVs
Despite the comprehensive recall, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, continues to advocate for the imminent era of fully autonomous vehicles. However, the practical implementation of Full Self-Driving features still mandates drivers' full attention, reflecting the delicate balance between technological advancements and regulatory compliance.
Tesla's shares experienced a slight dip, falling by up to 1.1% before regular trading commenced on Friday, Jan.5.
It should be noted that the recall not only addresses Autopilot concerns but also includes a separate measure for 7,538 Model S and Model X vehicles. This additional recall aims to prevent door latches from disengaging during collisions, with the fix executed through another over-the-air software update.
Throwback to Some of Tesla's Recalls
In mid-December, Tesla decided to recall its EVs sold in the US because of a flaw in the Autopilot system. Specifically, it addressed the Tesla models 3, X, S, and Y produced between October 5, 2012 and December 7, 2023.
In November 2022, the steering defect triggered the company to recall thousands of electric cars in Australia. The announcement came a few days after a driver died in a Tesla crash in China.
Another recall was announced less than a week in November 2022. At that time, more than 80,000 cars were recalled in China due to seatbelt and software problems.
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