Tesla Autopilot Controversy: Recalls, Updates, and Regulatory Scrutiny
by AutoExpert | 31 January, 2024
Alright, let's talk Tesla Autopilot – and trust us, it's getting as much eye-rolls as it is head scratches. Picture this: Tesla rolls out a recall for a whopping 2 million cars because of some Autopilot hiccups. They didn't exactly see eye to eye with the folks at NHTSA, but they went along with it anyway. Their solution? A software update that's like that overly cautious friend who warns you about everything.
Now, Tesla drivers are not exactly throwing a party over this. They're finding the whole thing a bit much. Imagine getting so many alerts that you're basically playing a game of 'spot the warning' on your dashboard instead of watching the road. Not exactly what you signed up for, right?
But let's rewind a bit. This whole drama started because of some nasty accidents, and yes, some were really bad, happening while Autopilot was doing its thing. The NHTSA has been digging into this since 2016, but here's the twist – Tesla's not officially been in the doghouse for any Autopilot-related mishaps.
Still, the regulators are on Tesla's case to tone down Autopilot even more. How they want this done? Well, that's still up in the air.
Jennifer Timian, who used to be a big deal at the NHTSA, basically said to The Wall Street Journal that the fix doesn't have to be a home run – just enough to make things a bit safer.
And while all this is going on, Tesla's out here releasing Full Self-Driving Beta 12.1.2, and guess what? Some Tesla fans are actually loving it. There's this blog, WholeMarsBlog, that's all about Tesla, and they've been showing off the new update with some cool dashcam videos.
So, what's the bottom line? Everyone's got something to say about Autopilot, but no one's really over the moon with where it's at right now. It's like we're all on this wild Tesla ride, waiting to see where it stops. Keep your eyes peeled for the next turn!