It means a critical safety issue has been found by the government and they’re forcing it to be fixed.
Manufacturers can initiate recalls, they aren't always, or mostly, issues found by the NHTSA. They are required to report them to the NHTSA who track and monitor them. I wouldn't say they are necessarily "critical" either. Here is the list of recalls for a 2005 Toyota Camry, for example.
In reality, it's like someone being given the opportunity to retire before being fired. It's a polite chance to take ownership rather than it being forced. Apparently Tesla has to be forced.
As an owner with Auto Pilot I don't know how to feel. It's most likely just going to make the product more annoying / less useful rather than inherently safer.
I mean, you can't install radar through an OTA, so... :(
Manufacturers can initiate recalls, they aren't always, or mostly, issues found by the NHTSA. They are required to report them to the NHTSA who track and monitor them. I wouldn't say they are necessarily "critical" either. Here is the list of recalls for a 2005 Toyota Camry, for example.
https://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2005-toyota-...