Tesla to issue software update to 2m cars following safety concerns

Electric car titan Tesla is having to send software updates to more than 2m vehicles due to problems associated with their autopilot technology.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday evening that autopilot controls in 2.031m Tesla vehicles equipped with Autosteer were classed as "insufficient" when the driver is not paying attention or prepared to intervene.

The news follows a years-long investigation by the NHTSA into Tesla's drive-assistance tech after a number of crashes.

Tesla's shares were down 1.2% at $234.12 in pre-market trade.

The vehicles affected include the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y, the auto-safety regulator said.

"In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognise when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash," the NHTSA said in a statement.

Tesla will release an over-the-air software update to affected vehicles free of charge.