Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, has initiated a massive recall affecting 2 million vehicles in response to concerns over driver attention while Autopilot is engaged. The recall, the largest in Tesla's 20-year history, aims to address the technology's limitations in detecting cross traffic and other hazards on surface roads. However, experts and lawmakers have expressed discontent with the recall, arguing that it fails to address the fundamental flaw of allowing drivers to activate Autopilot in inappropriate driving conditions.

The recall comes more than two years after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Autopilot following a series of incidents where Teslas collided with parked emergency vehicles. NHTSA reviewed over 900 crashes involving Autopilot and found that the system's Autosteer feature lacked sufficient controls to prevent driver misuse, particularly on roads that were not intended for Autopilot's use.

Critics, including Matthew Wansley, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law in New York, have questioned Tesla's decision to allow the use of Autopilot on roads with cross traffic and other potential hazards. Wansley argues that this is a significant missed opportunity for Tesla to address the safety concerns associated with the technology.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a frequent Tesla critic, also criticized the recall, deeming it far from sufficient. He suggested that more significant changes to the software should have been implemented to mitigate the risk of accidents. Blumenthal expressed concern over Tesla's reliance on voluntary compliance and urged for stronger enforcement measures.

Experts and lawmakers have raised concerns that NHTSA may have been hesitant to take stricter action against Tesla due to the company's influential role in the transition to electric vehicles, a priority for the Biden administration. However, NHTSA confirmed that its investigation into Autopilot remains open, leaving room for potential further action.

Part of the recall includes a software update that introduces new controls and alerts for drivers activating Autopilot outside of controlled-access highways. Moreover, the update will temporarily suspend a driver's ability to use Autosteer if they fail to stay engaged while using the feature.

Despite these measures, critics argue that the recall overlooks the need to restrict Autopilot to its intended use within the Operational Design Domain (ODD). Without such restrictions, drivers can continue to engage Autopilot outside the ODD, albeit with additional alerts and precautions.

Tesla's response to the recall and criticism has been limited. The company did not respond to requests for comment, but it previously stated that it has a moral obligation to improve safety systems and make them available to a wider set of consumers.

The recall has led to discussions about the efficacy of NHTSA's approach and the need for stricter regulation of autonomous driving systems. Some experts, like Tesla critic Dan O'Dowd, have called for a ban on Tesla's software until underlying safety defects are addressed.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a critical voice in the matter, has commended NHTSA's action but questioned how the agency will verify the effectiveness of the recall's changes. NHTSA's spokeswoman, Veronica Morales, confirmed that the agency will be conducting testing to evaluate the adequacy of remedies at a vehicle center in Ohio.

The term "recall" itself has become a point of contention, with Tesla and CEO Elon Musk arguing that it is an inappropriate label for software updates. However, past recalls have proven effective in mandating necessary updates.

Despite initial market reaction, with Tesla's stock briefly dipping upon the recall announcement, the company ended the week with a 4 percent increase, indicating investors' confidence in the automaker's ability to navigate this setback.

As the recall unfolds, legislators like Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) stress the importance of Tesla taking the issue seriously. Chair of the NTSB, Jennifer Homendy, expressed skepticism about relying solely on warnings and checks, emphasizing the need for more stringent measures.

The recall raises broader questions about the regulation of driver-assistance technologies and the responsibility of automakers in ensuring the safety of their vehicles. The discussion will undoubtedly continue as NHTSA's investigation into Autopilot remains ongoing.