Tesla is recalling more than 1.6 million cars in China due to issues with its Autopilot features and locks, according to state regulators. The recall comes after a similar one was announced in the United States in December by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The problems can be fixed through a free over-the-air software update, eliminating the need for drivers to take their vehicles to a service center.
The State Administration for Market Regulation in China stated that the recall affects Tesla’s Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles. The driving assistance feature in these cars can be misused, potentially leading to an increased risk of collisions and safety hazards. Additionally, over 7,500 Model S and Model X cars were recalled due to concerns that the non-collision side door could unlock during a crash.
Shares of Tesla slightly increased by less than 1% following the announcement.
The recall in China mirrors the one in the United States, where the NHTSA determined that certain Autopilot features in Tesla vehicles were confusing and too easily misused. The NHTSA identified that when the Autosteer feature is in use, there is a heightened risk of collisions, and the controls for the feature may not be sufficient to prevent misuse. Autosteer is part of Tesla’s Basic Autopilot package, designed for use on controlled-access highways to provide steering, braking, and acceleration support in specific conditions.
Although Tesla did not agree with the NHTSA’s findings, the company agreed to deploy a software update free of charge to address the problem.
Tesla has not yet responded to CNBC’s request for comment on the matter.
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