Most drivers should already have the software update.

Tesla just issued its 17th recall in 2022. As usual, it’s nothing more than a quick software update. The company recalled more than 40,000 Model S/X vehicles in the US this week over a problem that could result in loss of power steering assist under certain situations.

According to a safety report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a new software defect could reduce or cut power steering assistance, potentially leading to a crash.

It sounds like Tesla’s latest software update from September made several changes, and one of those tweaked how the car treats bumps, potholes, and other things on the road. Select Model S and Model X vehicles released between 2017 and 2021 could mistake a pothole as something else and affect the steering.

External road dynamics, like a pothole, would register as steering assist torque, and the system would reduce or cut power steering. Obviously, being able to steer a vehicle safely is pretty important.

However, the NHTSA report mentions that Tesla released its latest 2022.36 update in mid-October to fleet vehicles with updated calibration values and fixed the problem. Additionally, it looks like that same update is currently rolling out (or already installed) on nearly 97 percent of potentially affected vehicles as of today.

Tesla identified 314 vehicle alerts with the problem but reported zero injuries or deaths. We’re not aware of any accidents, but you’ll still want to update your Tesla to the latest software as soon as possible.

via Engadget