A federal automobile security authority is asking Tesla to clarify why it did not provoke a recall when it pushed a safety-related software program replace to clients in September.

The replace enabled Tesla autos to raised detect emergency automobile lights in low mild situations, based on a letter from the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration to Tesla revealed to the federal government company’s web site on Wednesday.

Tesla’s “Emergency Mild Detection Replace” was delivered by way of an over-the-air software program replace to clients’ automobiles just a few weeks after NHTSA initiated a probe into doable security defects with Tesla Autopilot, the corporate’s normal, driver help bundle.

Tesla additionally sells a premium model of its driver help system below the model title FSD, or Full Self-Driving, for $10,000 up entrance or $199 per 30 days. None of Tesla’s methods make their automobiles protected to be used and not using a human driver behind the wheel always. They’re “stage 2” driver help methods, not absolutely autonomous automobile applied sciences.

As CNBC beforehand reported, NHTSA recognized round a dozen collisions that concerned Tesla drivers crashing into first responders’ autos whereas they had been parked on the facet of the highway, usually at evening or within the pre-dawn hours of morning. In every of the incidents recognized by NHTSA, the Tesla drivers had Autopilot or site visitors conscious cruise management options engaged earlier than the crash. One of many crashes resulted in a fatality.

NHTSA needs to know if Autopilot defects or design points contributed to or prompted these crashes. And now additionally they need to know if Tesla’s software program replace successfully served as a stealth recall.

If the company deems Autopilot faulty, it might mandate a recall and impression Tesla’s public picture. Such a discovering might additionally encourage better urgency round score and regulating driver help methods like Tesla’s.

At present, NHTSA points an annual New Automobile Evaluation Program (NCAP) score on the crashworthiness of autos bought within the US. NCAP scores record options which might be included in every automobile, however the company does not but fee the protection of, or restrict using driver help methods like Tesla’s.

As a part of its Tesla probe, NHTSA is evaluating 12 different automobile makers’ comparable methods.

NHTSA’s Gregory Magno the company’s chief of auto defects division, instructed Tesla’s Director of Discipline High quality Eddie Gates within the new letter that automakers are required to inform NHTSA inside 5 enterprise days once they grow to be conscious of (or ought to have grow to be conscious of) questions of safety of their autos that necessitate a repair.

Over-the-air software program updates are lined by present federal recall legal guidelines, Magno emphasised.

The company additionally requested Tesla for particulars on its increasing FSD Beta program.

This system offers Tesla homeowners who will not be skilled security drivers an opportunity to check pre-release software program, and new driver help options on public roads within the US. The FSD Beta software program doesn’t make Tesla autos driverless, and has not been de-bugged sufficient for normal use and broad launch.

Amongst different issues, NHTSA requested detailed information on how Tesla charges and selects individuals within the experimental, early entry program.

Lately, Tesla added a “beta button” that permits any buyer to request entry to an FSD Beta obtain. It additionally launched an insurance coverage calculator that provides drivers in search of FSD Beta entry a “security rating.”

Tesla homeowners who scored 100 over every week of driving a minimum of 100 miles got entry to FSD Beta this week increasing this system by about 1,000 folks, based on CEO Elon Musk who remarked on the quantity at an annual shareholder assembly final week.

Automobile security advocates, together with the Nationwide Transportation Security Board, have referred to as on NHTSA to manage methods like Tesla’s Autopilot, FSD and FSD Beta sooner somewhat than later.