Tesla is recalling almost 363,000 of its electrical vehicles as a result of flaws in a model of its full self-driving software program might trigger crashes, based on a US authorities regulator.

The recall covers sure Mannequin S and Mannequin X autos manufactured between 2016 and 2023, in addition to Mannequin Ys made since 2020.

Tesla bought 1.3mn autos worldwide final yr. The recall applies to each automobile with the beta model of full-self driving software program, based on a submitting on Thursday by the US Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration. Tesla expenses prospects a further $15,000 for the software program.

The security company’s request for a recall presents a brand new problem for Tesla chief govt Elon Musk, who has repeatedly mentioned the beta software program model is almost prepared for full launch.

It comes as Tesla confronts slowing progress in new-car deliveries, reducing costs as demand now not vastly outpaces manufacturing.

The carmaker’s Autopilot software program, a less complicated driver help know-how than the complete self-driving software program, has been underneath investigation by the US security regulator since 2021.

Autopilot was turned on in 11 cases the place a Tesla drove right into a street crash scene, inflicting a complete of 17 accidents and one dying. The top of the programme left final yr, and earlier on Thursday a US labour watchdog acquired a grievance that a number of staff who labored on Autopilot had been fired in retaliation for attempting to kind a union.

The total self-driving software program being recalled can functionally drive and alter lanes, although the driving force nonetheless wants to concentrate to the street and automobile.

However the freeway security regulator mentioned the software program “might enable the automobile to behave unsafe round intersections”. The autos might journey straight by means of intersections from a flip lane, fail to cease at a cease signal or incautiously drive by means of a yellow mild. In addition they might velocity above posted limits, based on the company.

Tesla didn’t agree with the security regulator’s evaluation, however “determined to manage a voluntary recall out of an abundance of warning”, based on the regulatory submitting. Tesla has discovered 18 guarantee claims between 2019 and 2022 that could be associated to the issue.

Homeowners of the recalled vehicles have to be notified by April 15. Tesla plans to launch a free, over-the-air software program replace to repair the issue. The replace “will enhance how FSD beta negotiates sure driving manoeuvres”, the submitting mentioned.

Musk mentioned on Twitter that the phrase “recall” was “anachronistic” and “flat incorrect”, on condition that the issue will be addressed by means of a software program replace.

The billionaire mentioned at a Monetary Instances occasion final yr that Tesla was “truly fairly near reaching self-driving at a security stage that’s higher than human”.

Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey, Democrats on the Senate transportation committee, applauded the recall.

“We’ve got lengthy warned that there are essential flaws with Tesla’s software program, together with the rolling stops characteristic, which places the general public at grave threat,” they mentioned in a press release. “Tesla should lastly cease overstating the true capabilities of its autos.”