Tesla Vehicles Being Recalled For Autopilot Safety Setting

More than 2 million Teslas in the US faced a recall because of the autopilot feature on the cars.

US safety regulators said the function can make it easier for drivers to pay less attention to the road, which can result in car wrecks. 

The recall didn't mean anyone would need to take their Tesla to get replacement parts, but the software update was meant to ensure those who are behind the wheel are still paying attention to the road when using the autopilot setting. 

This comes after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into crashes that happened while drivers used autopilot.

“I think people may rely on it a little too much," said Tesla owner Justin Loomis. 

Loomis bought a Tesla in February and said he isn’t too concerned.

“You can’t have your hands off the steering wheel for more than just a few seconds before it’ll start to alert you to put your hands back on the wheel, so there’s really no way to drive without having your hands on the wheel," he said. 

In a letter released by the NHTSA, regulators said the autosteer feature didn't work well enough to ensure the driver remained engaged in the vehicle. They said the update will increase warnings and alerts to drivers. 

But Tesla owners didn't have to take their cars to the dealership. The software update could be done by using a cell phone or getting into the car.

“As soon as you get in the car, the first time that day, a dialogue box will come up, and it says, ‘Hey, there’s an update ready. Do you want to do it now or schedule it for later," Loomis said.

Michelle Merchant with Tulsa Area Clean Cities said calling a Tesla a self-driving car gives drivers a false sense of safety or reduced responsibility, but she says that's the case for anyone with an advanced driver assistance system, and it's on the drivers to understand the features of their cars to keep people safe. 

While the safety regulators thanked Tesla for the recall, they decided to keep the investigation open to monitor the safety of the autopilot setting with the new update.