Tesla Disables Self-Driving Feature That Causes Cars To Run Stop Signs

In yet another recall, Tesla has announced it will be disabling a feature on 54,000 vehicles that causes cars to run through stop signs.

According to the BBC, the automaker will soon offer an over-the-air software update to disable the “rolling stop” function, though founder Elon Musk said that the feature didn’t create a safety issue but caused cars to slow down instead of halting completely.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) regulations do stipulate that drivers have to come to a complete stop at a stop sign before proceeding, as “failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.” 

It turns out that, instead of bringing the vehicle to a complete standstill, Tesla’s “rolling stop” allowed cars to travel through all-way stop intersections at up to 5.6 mph, despite the company alleging that this only occurred when a variety of measures were met.

“There were no safety issues. The car simply slowed to -2 mph and continued forward if clear view with no cars or pedestrians,” said Musk.

As per Bloomberg, vehicles affected in the recall include 2016 - 2022 Model S and Model X, 2017 - 2022 Model 3, and 2020 - 2022 Model Y cars.

[via BBC and Bloomberg, cover image via Helgidinson | Dreamstime.com]