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The Safety Concerns Surrounding Tesla’s Autopilot Features Trigger Federal Investigation

Tesla said in December 2023 it would issue safety software updates to its autopilot features after crashes. But more crashes have federal regulators investigating whether the automaker did enough.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Investigates Tesla’s Autopilot Recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the adequacy of Tesla’s December 2023 recall of more than 2 million vehicles to update its autopilot features after numerous crashes. The investigation was prompted by the identification of 20 crashes involving Tesla vehicles with the updated software, leading regulators to question whether Tesla took sufficient action.

Previous Investigation Highlights Autopilot Safety Issues

The agency also concluded a nearly three-year investigation analyzing 956 crashes involving Tesla vehicles up to Aug. 30, 2023. The investigation found that 467 of these accidents could have been avoided had the driver engagement system been more effective. The weaknesses in Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance system led to foreseeable misuse and crashes. The investigation report emphasized the critical safety gap that exists between drivers’ expectations and the true capabilities of Tesla’s autopilot system.

Crash Test Results Reveal Concerns

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Federal regulators stated that drivers may be placing unrealistic expectations on their Teslas, which partially contribute to avoidable accidents. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) specifically noted cases where drivers failed to respond or mitigate crashes, disengaged Autosteering inadvertently, or used the features in low traction conditions.

Scope of the Recall

When the December 2023 recall was announced, it included 2,031,220 vehicles. This recall affected the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles, all of which were equipped with Tesla’s Autosteer driver-assistance feature. The investigation by the NHTSA also encompasses newer Tesla models, including the Cybertruck.

Critical Examination of Tesla’s Autopilot Controls and System

The ongoing investigation will evaluate the adequacy of the December 2023 recall, focusing on the effectiveness and prominence of Tesla’s Autopilot controls to address misuse, mode confusion, and usage in inappropriate environments. The NHTSA aims to ensure that Tesla takes the necessary measures to prevent accidents sparked by drivers’ unrealistic expectations and misuse of the Autopilot system.

Tesla’s Troubles and Prospects

In recent news, Tesla announced a decline in first-quarter revenue and layoffs in Austin and the Bay Area. However, CEO Elon Musk continues to express optimism in the company’s self-driving technology and electric cars. Expectations are high for Tesla’s upcoming unveiling of the widely anticipated robotaxi on Aug. 8.

The Ongoing Pattern of Scrutiny

It is worth noting that Tesla has faced continuous scrutiny regarding its self-driving claims. As early as October 2022, the company was under criminal investigation in this regard. The probes have persisted, with the U.S. Department of Justice issuing subpoenas to Tesla pertaining to its self-driving and autopilot technology in October 2023.

Contributing: Emily DeLetter, James Powel, USA TODAY, and Reuters.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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