What car owners need to know about the Tesla Autopilot recall

Drivers of Tesla vehicles will automatically receive the software updates the company is issuing to address concerns from federal auto safety regulators about the Autopilot driver assistance system.

The updates, which Tesla will send to cars via mobile networks, include new alerts and controls to ensure drivers pay attention to the road and their car while using an Autopilot feature that can drive cars independently. Customers do not need to take the vehicles to a service center.

The company pioneered the use of such over-the-air updates, which are now also used by many established car manufacturers.

Drivers with questions about the recall can call Tesla customer service at 1-888-327-4236. They can also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236. More information about the recall can be found at www.nhtsa.gov.