Tesla recalls 2 million cars after regulators find that its Autopilot doesn't do enough to stop misuse

• Tesla is recalling more than 2 million cars with an over-the-air software update.
• A two-year NHTSA investigation found its Autopilot system's "unique design" means it can be misused.

Tesla is recalling over 2 million vehicles because the Autopilot system doesn't do enough to prevent drivers from misusing it, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday.

It comes as a result of the NHTSA's two-year investigation into Tesla, which will remain open as it monitors "the efficacy of Tesla's remedies," an agency spokesperson told Business Insider.

The investigation has seen the NHTSA review 956 crashes in which Autopilot was believed to be in use.

"Automated technology holds great promise for improving safety but only when it is deployed responsibly," an NHTSA spokesperson said. "Today's action is an example of improving automated systems by prioritizing safety."

Tesla will release a free software update to its 2012-2023 Model S; 2016-2023 Model X; 2017-2023 Model 3; and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer.

The feature is part of Tesla's basic Autopilot package, which requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel so they are prepared to take action.

However, the recall notes that the current Autopilot controls may not be adequate to stop drivers from misusing this.

"Specifically, the investigation found that Tesla's unique design of its Autopilot system can provide inadequate driver engagement and usage controls that can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system," the NHTSA spokesperson said.

It is the second recall this year for Tesla's automated driving features, which have been involved in hundreds of crashes — some of which have resulted in fatalities.

In February, Tesla issued a recall for more than 360,000 cars over concerns that its Full Self-Driving software may cause vehicles to act "unsafe" around intersections.

Tesla did not immediately respond to BI's request for comment.