The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into whether Tesla did enough to update the safety of its Autopilot driver assistance system. The agency announced the start of the investigation on Friday, expressing concerns about accidents that occurred after a software update was installed on vehicles called for maintenance.
The investigation covers various Tesla models equipped with a driver assistance system, including the Cybertruck, manufactured between 2012 and 2024. NHTSA began investigating Tesla’s driver assistance system in August 2021, finding at least 13 accidents involving deaths or serious injuries linked to abuse of the system. Consumer Reports also highlighted safety issues with Tesla’s driver assistance system after testing the software update.
The NHTSA has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with the Autopilot system, which could lead to over-reliance on automation by drivers. The agency has called for Tesla to make further updates to address these risks and improve overall safety on the roads.
In response, Tesla called in over two million vehicles for maintenance in December, emphasizing the importance of driver attention to safety when using the driving assistant. The company’s biggest repair call to date aimed to raise awareness among drivers about safety and encourage them to use their own judgment when driving autonomously. The investigation continues, with concerns about potential risks associated with the Autopilot system still looming over Tesla’s reputation as a leader in autonomous driving technology.