Every Tesla capable of ‘full self driving’ can access the Autopilot feature for free. But is it safe?

HOUSTON – Every single Tesla in the country can now drive on its own.

The electric vehicle manufacturer is offering a free one-month trial of the Full Self Driving technology to all capable U.S. vehicles.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the free trial on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The news comes with a new software update and just a few months after the company recalled more than 2 million cars. Most Tesla vehicles come with the technology built in for Full Self Driving. However, owners have to pay an upcharge, of up to $12,000, to unlock the technology for use.

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Tesla recalled 2,031,220 vehicles, including their Model 3 (2017-2023), Model X (2016-2023), Model S (2012-2023) and Model Y (2020-2023).

The reason?

“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 recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash,” the recall read in part.

In response to the recall, Tesla issued a remedy to the problem via an over-the-air update.

“At no cost to customers, affected vehicles will receive an over-the-air software remedy, which is expected to begin deploying to certain affected vehicles on or shortly after December 12, 2023,” Tesla said.

But here’s the thing: The update didn’t actually disable the “Autosteer” function that is part of the Autopilot feature in Tesla vehicles. Instead, it beefed up the warnings drivers get if they’re found to not be paying attention to the vehicle.

Keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel, while being ready to take over at any moment, is part of the agreement while using Autopilot functions.

“Neither the recall nor its remedy disables Autosteer or features that rely on Autosteer. As mentioned, the remedy will incorporate additional controls and alerts to those already existing on affected vehicles to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged, which includes keeping their hands on the steering wheel and paying attention to the roadway,” Tesla said.

Fast forward three months, now Musk is giving everyone that owns a Tesla capable of self-driving the opportunity to unlock the tech for free.

“We didn’t know that until you said something about it,” said Darius Haywood while charging outside of a Houston Tesla dealership.

The giveaway came in the wake of the massive recall, but also with open arms.

Haywood is one of many interested in trying out the feature that costs a third of the sticker price on an entry-level Model 3.

“The possibilities is endless with these cars,” he said. “I feel like Elon Musk, I feel like he trying to push his brand out to stand out in a certain way than what other people think about it.”

Regardless, the idea of more self driving cars on Houston highways than ever before has some drivers, including fellow Tesla owners, a little concerned.

“Some people are responsible, some people can be irresponsible,” Erni Salguero said while charging his Tesla.

“I don’t know how to feel about a car driving by itself,” added Ashunti Sanders.

Tesla’s own safety data says their vehicles driving on Autopilot average one crash for every five million miles driven.

That’s ten times fewer than the U.S. national average.

While the tech is there, it might just take time for the trust to follow.