The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's recall of over 2 million vehicles to address Autopilot concerns. The decision comes after reports of 20 crashes involving vehicles that had received the new Autopilot software updates as part of Tesla's December recall. This investigation further amplifies the regulatory scrutiny on Autopilot, coinciding with CEO Elon Musk's push for full self-driving capabilities and the upcoming launch of Tesla's robotaxi on August 8.
Following a three-year defect investigation into Autopilot, the NHTSA concluded that Tesla's driver engagement system was not sufficient for Autopilot's operating capabilities, resulting in a critical safety gap. During a safety probe in August 2021, the agency identified 13 Tesla crashes involving fatalities and numerous serious injuries where driver misuse of the system was evident. Reports indicated 54 serious injuries in Autopilot-related crashes due to potential driver misuse.
Tesla's December recall, encompassing 2.03 million U.S. vehicles, aimed to enhance driver attention while using the advanced driver assistance system. The recall includes various Tesla models like Y, X, S, 3, and Cybertruck produced between 2012 and 2024. However, the NHTSA cited gaps in Tesla's crash telematic data reporting, noting that the automaker primarily relies on data from crashes with airbag deployments, which represent only a fraction of police-reported crashes.
Amid ongoing investigations, U.S. senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal have urged the NHTSA to restrict Tesla from utilizing Autopilot on unsuitable roads, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety. Concerns have also been raised that Tesla's branding of Autopilot may lead drivers to overestimate the system's capabilities, potentially endangering lives. Additionally, Consumer Reports raised doubts about the adequacy of Tesla's Autopilot updates in addressing safety concerns highlighted by the NHTSA.
Tesla reiterated that Autopilot does not render vehicles self-driving and requires a fully attentive driver prepared to take control. The company has implemented software updates to enhance controls and alerts for drivers using Autosteer. With more than 40 special crash investigations opened by the NHTSA involving Tesla's driver systems since 2016, the company faces continuous scrutiny over the safety of its autonomous driving features.
In response to NHTSA findings, Tesla has committed to strengthening inattentiveness warnings and imposing restrictions on Autopilot usage if significant misuse is detected. The company also faces scrutiny regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, with recalls and legal inquiries targeting compliance with traffic laws. Tesla's efforts to enhance safety and address regulatory concerns underscore the ongoing complexities surrounding autonomous driving technology.