Tesla is issuing a recall for nearly all 2 million of its cars on US roads in response to concerns over the use of its Autopilot feature. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed the recall in a letter to Tesla, stating that the company has agreed to an over-the-air software update to limit the use of the Autosteer feature. This decision comes after a review of nearly 1,000 crashes involving Autopilot.

Tesla has been promoting its driver-assist features, including Autopilot and "Full Self Driving," as enhancing safety on the road. However, the NHTSA has been investigating accidents involving Autopilot and its Autosteer function for over two years. The recall follows a detailed investigation by the Washington Post, which uncovered eight serious accidents, including fatalities, where Autopilot was engaged when it should not have been.

The defective system at the center of the recall is designed to ensure that drivers remain attentive while using Autopilot. The NHTSA's investigation revealed that the system's method of ensuring driver attention can be inadequate, leading to misuse of the feature. The recall includes vehicles sold by Tesla in the US between October 5, 2012, and December 7, 2021.

Tesla will address the issue through a software update, which includes additional controls and alerts to encourage drivers to adhere to their responsibility while using Autopilot. The update was already sent to certain affected vehicles, with the rest scheduled to receive it at a later date. The recall specifically targets the Autosteer feature, limiting where it can be used. If a driver attempts to engage Autosteer when the conditions for engagement are not met, the feature will alert the driver and refuse to engage.

Auto safety advocates have long called for stronger regulation of driver monitoring systems, such as the one used by Autopilot. Independent tests have shown that these systems can be easily fooled, allowing drivers to operate the vehicle without actively monitoring it. Tesla acknowledged in its defect report that the controls of Autopilot may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.

NHTSA has been actively investigating Tesla crashes since 2016, suspecting that the vehicles were running on automated systems during these incidents. At least 17 people have been killed in these crashes. The agency has become more aggressive in addressing safety issues with Tesla, initiating recalls and investigations, including one focused on the Full Self Driving software. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed concerns earlier this year that Tesla's Autopilot system misleads drivers by giving the impression that the car can drive itself.

The NHTSA has indicated that it will continue to monitor the efficacy of Tesla's remedies and work with the automaker to ensure the highest level of safety. This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.