Tesla Recalls Thousands of Cars

Tesla is issuing a massive recall for hundreds of thousands of its cars, conceding that its automated Full Self-Driving Beta system can increase the risk of a crash.

The company has previously disputed complaints about the system, insisting it is safe when used as intended but in its filing with the U.S. Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla warns that the self-driving system “may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections,” including traveling straight through from a turn lane and proceeding through steady-yellow traffic lights.

The recall covers more than 360,000 vehicles, including some Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Model S units manufactured between 2016 and 2023.

Tesla said it expects to fix the issue through an over-the-air software update by April 15.

“The main problems for Tesla’s system include the misleading names of ‘Full Self-Driving’ and ‘Autopilot,’” said David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. He added that Tesla “does not have adequate safeguards to ensure drivers will pay full attention to the road.”