Tesla recalls all 53,822 vehicles with its 'full self-driving' feature

Tesla will recall all 53,822 vehicles with its "full self-driving" driver-assist feature after it was intentionally programmed to slowly roll through stop signs in some scenarios.

The recall will impact Model S, X, 3 and Y vehicles that have its beta version of the "full self-driving" software enabled. "Full self-driving" is a controversial driver-assist feature that aims to one day allow cars to drive themselves.

The technology sometimes steers Tesla vehicles smoothly and obeys traffic rules like stopping for red lights. But in other cases it has proved inconsistent, according to accounts from alarmed drivers using the software. Tesla says that "full self-driving" requires an attentive driver who is ready to take full control of the car at any time.

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"Full self-driving" has been capable of rolling through stop signs since the release of the first version in October 2020. Tesla decided to disable the function following meetings this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US, which regulates motor vehicles.

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"The Vehicle Safety Act prohibits manufacturers from selling vehicles with defects posing unreasonable risks to safety, including intentional design choices that are unsafe. If the information shows that a safety risk may exist, NHTSA will act immediately," the administration said in a statement.

Tesla will disable the function as soon as this month in an updated version of "full self-driving" software that's released over the internet, according to a document the automaker filed. Drivers won't need to take their vehicles to be serviced.