Tesla Recalls Over 2 Million Vehicles Due to Autopilot System Defect

Experts Question Effectiveness of Recall Fix, Suggest Use of Cameras to Monitor Drivers

Tesla has recalled over 2 million electric vehicles due to a defect in its Autopilot system that was found after a two-year investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall fix relies on a technology that sends alerts to drivers if it fails to detect torque from hands on the steering wheel, a system that experts describe as ineffective.
Research conducted by NHTSA, the National Transportation Safety Board and other investigators show that merely measuring torque on the steering wheel doesn’t ensure that drivers are paying sufficient attention.
Experts suggest that a better solution would be to require Tesla to use cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they’re watching the road.
Tesla’s recall documents do not mention increased use of cameras, and it is unclear whether Tesla will limit where Autopilot can operate to controlled access highways as part of its recall.