In the latest "recall", which is actually an over-the-air software update, Tesla Autopilot has simply been updated to be more annoying and to have increased font size. This is not a good update, in my opinion.
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Tesla "Recall" Is Actually An Over The Air Update
On the one hand, some safety experts are praising Tesla's latest "recall", which is not a physical recall, but an over-the-air software update that will cost virtually nothing as vehicles can simply connect to a wireless network to receive the update. I have a different perspective to share.
This software update deals with Autopilot and NOT FSD (full self-driving).
Here are the official notes of this update (2023.44.30):
TL/DR (Too Long, Didn't Read):
- After 5 forced Autopilot disengagements that weren't initiated by the driver, Autopilot will be unavailable for one week
- Increased the text size for Model 3 and Model Y of driver monitoring warning alerts
- Activate Autopilot with a single pull down of the right stalk
- Increased strictness of driver attention needed at traffic lights and stop signs off the freeway
Detailed Description:
1. Basic Autopilot Suspension — For max safety and accountability, use of Autopilot features will be suspended if improper usage is detected. Improper usage is when you or another driver receive 5 forced Autopilot disengagements. A disengagement is when the Autopilot system disengages for the rest of the trip after the driver receives several audio and visual warnings for inattentiveness. Driver initiated disengagements do not count as improper usage and are expected from the driver. Keeps hands on the wheel and remain attentive at all times. Use of any hand held devices while using Autopilot is not allowed.
Autopilot features can only be removed by this suspension method, and they will be unavailable for approximately one week.
2. Over-the-Air (OTA) Recall In accordance with a recent recall (campaign # 23V-838 for US and # 2023-657 for Canada) Tesla is making the following improvements to Autosteer:
— Improved visibility of driver monitoring warning alerts on the touchscreen by increasing the text size and moving the notifications to a more prominent position (Model 3 & Y only)
— Added option to activate Autopilot with a single stalk press, instead of two, to help simplify activation and disengagement
— Increased strictness of driver attention requirements when using Autosteer and approaching traffic lights and stop signs off highway
— Introduced a suspension policy that will restrict Autosteer for one week if improper usage is detected. Improper usage is when you, or another driver of your vehicle, receive five "Forced Autopilot Disengagements" You are the driver. As the driver, you must be vigilant to the road. Keep your hands on the wheel, and be ready to intervene to maintain safety.
This update basically increases the font size of warnings for Autopilot nagging and forces more interaction when at stop signs/stop lights. I hope Tesla gets rid of the nag one day for Autopilot.
I don't like this update because it makes the system more nagging when, in reality, the driver should be paying attention at all times and never assuming the software is just going to do the right thing at all times.
In addition to that, when Autopilot is disabled for a week, now the driver of that Tesla is devoid of the safety features of Autopilot that make it safer than manual driving. This will increase the chance of an accident on the road.
Some could argue that the stricter warnings at stop signs and intersections are good because it forces the driver to interact with the vehicle more. I don't agree with this - the software specifically states that the driver is responsible and must pay attention at all times. It is not yet driverless software.
If this is the direction regulations are going to force Tesla to do this, why not make a nag that just fires off every 3 seconds with a bullhorn to really force the driver to pay attention? To me, it's nonsensical and if it gets more annoying, people just won't use the software. Manual driving by people is far more dangerous than assisted software use in a Tesla.
Still, I could be completely wrong and with this update, we'll find data that shows Autopilot went from being 10 times safer to 20 times safer just because of this update.
Now, Tesla could do an update that makes it so you can only use Autopilot on the freeway. That update would actually make sense and take some time to figure out, and would cost more money. I don't think Tesla will do it, though - due to the time and money required. After all, what determines if you are on a freeway or not - I don't think it's a simple answer though - I have a freeway near where I live that has a 70 mph speed limit, but there are 4-way stop lights throughout it.
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Tesla Autopilot Is More Annoying Now
Essentially, Tesla Autopilot is more annoying now and will likely give more nags when not being used on the freeway and increases the font size of the warning system to interact with the steering wheel periodically in a Model 3 or Model Y.
The fact that the outdated term "recall" is still being used for software updates over-the-air boggles my mind. A recall is a physical recall of vehicles to a shop or service center for a fix, such as a defective airbag or engine part. No Tesla vehicles are going to need to go to a service center to receive this update. They will do it in their garage at home.
I doubt the term recall is going to stop being used for over-the-air software updates. If I say "recall" instead of "over-the-air software update", recall is more of an emotional response. I understand why it's going to be used, even if I think it's the incorrect term for a software update.
Still, Tesla is going to comply with situations where regulations decide that it needs to make a safety update. I have used Tesla Autopilot on side streets before, and I always disengage well before any stop sign or stop light because it's not designed for that.
Phew, I'm a bit fired up over this update. I want the software to be useful, but not to the point of being so annoying people stop using it. Let's see what happens over the next year in the safety numbers for Tesla Autopilot after this over-the-air software update.
I'll be sure to share more as I use Autopilot, once I get this update, to see if it truly is more annoying and if the font size is bigger. In the meantime, check back for more breaking Tesla news.
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What do you think about this latest update from Tesla? Is it simply making Autopilot more nagging and annoying with a larger font size?
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Hi! I'm Jeremy Noel Johnson, and I am a Tesla investor and supporter and own a 2022 Model 3 RWD EV and I don't have range anxiety :). I enjoy bringing you breaking Tesla news as well as anything about Tesla or other EV companies I can find, like Aptera. Other interests of mine are AI, Tesla Energy and the Tesla Bot! You can follow me on X.COM or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow my Tesla and EV news coverage.
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