Tesla self-driving recall sees over 11,700 EVs returned to sender

Tesla Model S
(Image credit: Tesla)

Tesla has issued a recall for many of its vehicles over a software update issued in late October to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta program. 

Though it quickly withdrew the update and issued a fix, following the formal recall process helps ensure that necessary updates are performed to as many affected vehicles as possible.

The recall involves over 11,700 Tesla vehicles that include certain Model 3, Model S, and Model X vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2021. The Model Y didn't escape the recall, either, as certain 2020 and 2021 models are included.

Unexpected braking

The recall comes just a week after Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted news about the issue involving the latest beta rollout, which hadn't gone as planned. 

Some drivers reported problems with the operation of vehicle safety systems, noting that their cars braked unexpectedly and that certain safety features shut off completely.

The automaker rolled back the beta update and quickly reissued a fix, but the move to follow a formal recall process is a prudent one for Tesla. The NHTSA questioned Tesla over its decision to avoid recalls for previous issues, so the pressure to follow the rules is strong. 

The move helps Tesla avoid further scrutiny over its safety management practices, as the NHTSA already has open investigations into several incidents involving Tesla vehicles crashing into parked emergency vehicles.

Chris Teague
Freelance Contributor

After working in the technology and software industry for several years, Chris began writing as a way to help people outside of that world understand the sometimes very technical work that goes on behind the scenes. With a lifelong love of all things automotive, Chris turned his attention to writing new vehicle reviews, detailing industry trends, and breaking news. Along the way, he earned an MBA with a focus on data analysis that has helped him gain a strong understanding of why the auto industry’s biggest companies make the decisions they do.

Read more
Rivian R1T
Big Rivian update delivers hands-off driving to rival Tesla Autopilot – and a new 'Rally' mode
Tesla Model Y Juniper Refresh 2025
Tesla reveals its long-awaited Model Y 'Juniper' refresh, but the EV isn’t the trailblazer it once was
2025 Tesla Model Y
I’ve spent hours with the new Tesla Model Y – here are 5 updates I like (and 3 things I don't)
Tesla Model X and Model Y
Tesla says it will refresh the Model S and Model X this year – here are 5 things I want to see
Tesla Model 3
Tesla promises more affordable EVs and could start its Robotaxi service in June – but I've heard this all before
Tesla Supercharger V4
Tesla's Supercharger network gets faster charging speeds in the US, but not all owners are happy about it
Latest in Self Driving Vehicles
A Vay car being remotely driving through a street
Teledriving takes off – meet the tech that wants to drive your next rental car to your doorstep
Sony Afeela Prototype EV Car
Sony and Honda's Afeela self-driving car is not quite giving us the feels
Apple Car concept image
Apple Car is never gonna happen - and the signs are obvious
Front seats in the Tesla Model 3
Rumored Apple carOS could run on a central Tesla-like dashboard
Apple Car concept image
Meta poaches engineering manager from Apple Car project
Tesla Model S
Want Apple CarPlay on your Tesla? This developer has found a way to do it
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over