Tesla FSD 13.2.2.1 Sparks Concern After Running Red Lights
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software, recently updated to version 13.2.2.1, has come under scrutiny following reports of vehicles running red lights. A growing number of Tesla users have shared videos and testimonials online, showcasing moments when the system failed to correctly interpret traffic signals, raising questions about the software’s safety and reliability.
A Firsthand Account of the Issue
One Tesla Model Y owner shared their experience on Reddit:
“Just wanted to remind everyone to be careful and pay attention when using FSD. I was driving on my one-month-old Model Y, and my FSD was recently upgraded to 13.2.2.1. It’s been great with acceleration and braking improvements, but yesterday it ran a red light on a left turn.” The user clarified that their hands were on the wheel and their foot was positioned above the brake, prepared to intervene if necessary.
This account highlights the mixed nature of the FSD experience—moments of apparent technological advancement offset by instances of risky behavior.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked a lively debate among Tesla enthusiasts and critics.
One commenter pointed out:
“All the videos we’ve seen so far show FSD treating traffic politely, with deference, and then making a completely calm but illegal left turn when it seems safe. No spazzing, no apparent failure to perceive, just fully and deliberately breaking the law.”
Another user noted:
“The footage is taken from one of the sensors it uses to recognize such things, and we can clearly see the red light in that sensor output. This is a ML/NN/training/software issue, not sensory.”
Critics have also highlighted the potential for accidents due to driver complacency:
“Not if you’re not paying attention because you’ve been lulled into complacency by an automated system. These things are going to get people killed, and Tesla is just going to blame the drivers for not taking over.”
Broader Implications
While Tesla’s FSD has achieved significant milestones in autonomous driving, the recent red light incidents expose gaps in the system’s training and decision-making algorithms. Key concerns include:
- Situational Awareness: Does FSD recognize red lights but make deliberate errors, or does it fail to detect them altogether?
- Driver Responsibility: The technology remains a “supervised” system, requiring drivers to remain engaged. However, reliance on FSD can lead to delayed reactions.
- Data and Training: Some suggest Tesla’s data-driven approach will resolve such issues with more fleet data, but incidents like these highlight the immediate risks.
Tesla’s Path Forward
Tesla has not officially responded to these incidents, but the situation underscores the challenges of rolling out advanced self-driving technology. As FSD continues to evolve, Tesla must address:
- Software Updates: Immediate patches to prevent similar incidents.
- Transparency: Clear communication about the system’s limitations and ongoing improvements.
- Driver Education: Emphasizing the importance of vigilance while using FSD.
A Call for Caution
As one user aptly summarized:
“Running red lights is bad… If only there was something I could do… Oh well.”
Such satirical comments reflect a growing skepticism about the safety of FSD in its current form. For now, Tesla drivers are urged to stay vigilant and treat FSD as an assistive tool rather than a fully autonomous system.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder that while the road to autonomous driving may be paved with innovation, it is also fraught with potential hazards.