In a significant move, electric vehicle giant Tesla has issued a recall for over 1.6 million cars sold in China, citing identified issues with the software controlling steering and door locking mechanisms. The recall, mandated by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in China, is aimed at addressing concerns related to the Autosteer feature, with a focus on enhancing safety and reducing the potential for accidents.

The SAMR reported that despite the large-scale recall, affected vehicles will not be transported to retailers or repair shops. Instead, Tesla plans to remotely resolve the identified problems through software upgrades, a testament to the increasing capabilities of over-the-air updates in the automotive industry.

The recall affects various models, including Tesla's popular Model S, X, 3, and Y variants, with an additional 7,538 vehicles imported from other countries included in the overall count. The move follows a recent recall in the United States where two million vehicles were withdrawn due to issues with the Autopilot software.

The specific issues targeted in the recall relate to the Autosteer feature, addressing concerns that drivers may misuse the self-driving capability, increasing the risk of accidents. Tesla aims to individually upgrade the software of 7,538 vehicles from the Model S and X lineup to resolve the identified door locking mechanism issue.

This announcement comes on the heels of previous concerns raised by Chinese authorities, who indicated that over a million Tesla cars in the country could potentially face issues with their speed control and braking mechanisms. These ongoing challenges have prompted Tesla to continually reassess and enhance the functionality of its vehicles through software updates.

Tesla acknowledges the proactive stance taken by the Chinese authorities and expresses its commitment to resolving the identified issues promptly. The company reassures customers that the remote software upgrades will effectively mitigate the concerns raised by authorities, emphasizing its dedication to delivering safe and reliable electric vehicles.

As Tesla continues to navigate challenges associated with its vehicle software, the industry closely watches how the company addresses these issues and adapts its technology to meet evolving regulatory standards and ensure the safety of its global customer base.

News Source: BBC