Tesla is shutting down its vehicle due to concerns from federal authorities that its Full Self-Driving Mode (FSD) could allow vehicles to unexpectedly (and illegally) drive through intersections above the speed limit, increasing the risk of accidents. , up to 362,000 vehicles are being recalled. CEO Elon Musk has identified FSD as a key initiative for Tesla AI, but the company has yet to reach its self-driving goal.
As Reuters points out, the latest recall comes just two weeks before Tesla's much-anticipated March 1st investor day for its controversial Super Bowl ad in which Tesla flattened infant strollers. , which took place immediately after the broadcast of a video showing the decapitation of a dummy.
Tesla reported $2.9 billion in deferred revenue at the end of 2022. This revenue came from a free Supercharger program, internet connectivity, and over-the-air software updates. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Tesla released his FSD beta to all eligible customers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a total of 830,000 Teslas equipped with driver assistance systems, including Autopilot, over crashes involving parked emergency vehicles. Tesla has faced intense scrutiny before over its self-driving technology. In 2022, the company recalled approximately 54,000 vehicles equipped with FSD beta software. This is because some types of vehicles may be able to be stopped illegally. Last December, NHTSA opened two new investigations into crashes involving Tesla vehicles, including an eight-vehicle crash on San Francisco's Bay Bridge.
With investor day just around the corner, all eyes will be on how Elon Musk and his EV company navigate these latest challenges.