Tesla faces a setback in North America. The electric car manufacturer must initiate a recall of approximately two million vehicles in the US and Canada due to an increased risk of collision associated with its controversial ‘Autopilot’ driver assistance system.

Following a two-year investigation, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that, under specific circumstances, the self-driving function could be misused, elevating the risk of collisions.

The NHTSA findings, briefed to the automaker last Tuesday, indicate that the system’s design is prone to “inadequate driver engagement and use controls”, potentially leading to misuse. Tesla acknowledged in its report that the controls implemented on its Autopilot system “may not be sufficient to prevent misuse by the driver”.

Over-the-air

The recall affects Model S (production from 2012 to 2023), Model X (2016 to 2023), Model 3 (2017 to 2023), and Model Y (since 2020). The recall won’t happen physically in the workshops. Over-the-air updates are set to be deployed remotely starting this week.

This is not the first instance of inquiry into Tesla’s Autopilot system, which has faced accusations of giving drivers a false sense of the car’s autonomous capabilities and has been pointed the finger in some accident cases – though Tesla won a lawsuit. In North America, self-driving aid is less restricted than in Europe.

Despite the damage to the image of Tesla, which may impact consumer confidence, the financial repercussions for the company are forecasted to remain much lower compared to usual recalls, as the glitches are remedied wirelessly.

Tesla has previously issued such recalls for remotely modifying software. It plans to deploy additional alerts through the latest update to encourage drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Probe not closed

The NHTSA investigation, initiated in 2021, focused on incidents involving stationary first-aid vehicles and Tesla vehicles with the assisted driving system activated, among others.

“Automated technology promises improved security, but only if used responsibly. Today’s action is an example of improving automated systems by prioritizing security,” the US regulator stated. The NHTSA will check the recall while the investigation remains open.

The year’s end looked promising for Tesla, as the Model Y is on a roll to be crowned the world’s best-selling EV, but in Scandinavia, the spreading problems with the unions are further darkening the clouds from the massive recall.

Sweden’s Transport Union has decided to join their workshop colleagues from Tesla, and won’t be collecting the garbage at the brand’s site as from Christmas Eve. Previously the workers found sympathizing actions by the post and cleaning workers, while unions from Denmark and Norway have joined in an unseen solidarity strike against the caraker.