Tesla Halts “Full Self-Driving” Tech on Vehicles
» Posted April 28, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
The fallout over safety concerns with Tesla’s “full self-driving” system is showing no sign of letting up anytime soon.
Tesla recently announced it is temporarily pausing new installations of FSD, The Verge reports. The pause on cars in the U.S. and Canada follows a major recall stemming from safety concerns about the technology.
The company was forced by regulators to call back some 362,000 cars equipped with FSD, which is currently in beta mode. The technology may allow cars to blow through traffic lights, exceed speed limits and make illegal lane changes, according to the recall.
The FSD recall covers certain Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y vehicles.
Tesla owners who recently purchased the $15,000 FSD add-on or who have yet to opt-in will not be able to access the software until the automaker releases an over-the-air software update. The company has yet to say when that update will happen.
Owners who have activated FSD can still use the software but won't see any new features.
The FSD beta software is currently classified as an "SAE Level 2 driver support feature," which means it can steer, brake, and accelerate automatically with a driver present. A driver operating FSD must be engaged and ready to take over at any time and is also entirely responsible for any mishaps the system could cause.
That makes it more advanced than Tesla’s Autopilot system, which has also posed safety concerns.
NHTSA is reportedly looking into more than 40 accidents over the last seven years involving Tesla vehicles using the advanced driver assistance systems. A total of 14 of the collisions were fatal, leaving 19 people dead.
Separately, the Justice Department is said to be investigating alleged claims by Tesla that the technology allows vehicles to drive themselves.
California Lemon Law Rights for Tesla Owners
Tesla and other car owners in California have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. They do not need to wait around for a recall to be announced in order to get defective vehicles fixed.
The California lemon law requires automakers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while the cars are under warranty. It also forces those companies to buy back or replace cars that they cannot or simply refuse to properly fix.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced lemon law attorney. The law requires manufacturers to pick up the tab for certain legal fees incurred by owners enforcing their rights.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
