Tesla Remotely Recalls Full Self-Driving Software for 'Phantom Braking' Problem
The software update has already been sent to over 11,000 vehicles
Tesla has issued a recall after some drivers of Model S, Model X, Model Y, and Model 3 vehicles reported that their cars had suddenly braked while in motion. The problem was faulty software that caused the vehicles’ automatic emergency braking (AEB) to incorrectly activate—an issue known as “phantom braking.” Tesla has already fixed the problem through an over-the-air (OTA) software update sent out last week.
Today’s announcement comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent Tesla a letter criticizing the company for issuing safety-critical software updates to its Autopilot software—which can control some steering, braking, and acceleration functions—without also filing recall notices. In this case, the automaker issued an official recall even though it had already fixed the problem.
While faulty OTA updates can present a serious safety concern, today’s recall announcement is also an example of how OTA updates can ensure that important safety issues get fixed, says Jake Fisher, senior director of CR’s auto test center. As of Oct. 29, 2021, Tesla says, all but 17 of the more than 11,000 recalled vehicles have had the faulty software updated and that there have been no crashes or injuries related to the recall. By comparison, 20 percent of newer vehicles have recalls that go unrepaired.
“When they’re done properly, over-the-air updates have the potential to make sure fixes are implemented across every vehicle that needs one as soon as possible without drivers ever having to visit a dealership,” Fisher says.
Although Tesla was one of the pioneers of OTA updates, other automakers have issued similar software updates so that owners could have recall work done remotely. Earlier this year, General Motors and Mercedes-Benz issued recalls that could be completed with an OTA software update.
