Tesla recalls cars that may roll past stop signs

Tesla is recalling nearly 54,000 vehicles because a software feature lets them roll through stop signs.

The company will issue an over-the-air software update that disables the Full Self-Driving Beta (FSDB) "rolling stop" function.

Elon Musk, the firm's chief executive tweeted that there were no safety issues and the cars just slowed down.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): "Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash."

In recall documents, the electric vehicle maker notes that if certain conditions are met, the "rolling stop" feature is designed to allow the vehicle to travel through all-way-stop intersections at up to 5.6mph without coming to a complete stop.

Tesla says the conditions include:

In January, Tesla met with NHTSA to discuss the rolling-stop feature, and shortly afterwards decided on a voluntary recall.

It covers some 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

Tesla says it is not aware of any collisions, injuries or fatalities related to the feature.

Mr Musk tweeted: "There were no safety issues. The car simply slowed to -2mph and continued forward if clear view with no cars or pedestrians."

And in August the NHTSA opened an official investigation into Tesla's "self-driving" Autopilot system.

The safety administration said it was acting, following 11 Tesla crashes since 2018 involving emergency vehicles.