In Washington, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into whether Tesla’s recall of over 2 million vehicles to install new Autopilot safeguards is sufficient. The agency raised concerns after crash events occurred post-recall and preliminary tests on remedied vehicles showed troubling results. This investigation follows the closure of a three-year investigation into Autopilot, which found that Tesla’s driver engagement system was not appropriate for the system’s operating capabilities, creating a critical safety gap.
### Concerns with Tesla’s Recall
NHTSA cited Tesla’s statement indicating that a portion of the remedy requires the owner to opt in and allows the driver to easily reverse it. Although Tesla issued software updates to address certain concerns, they have not been included in the recall as a remedy for an unreasonable safety risk. The recall covers various Tesla models equipped with Autopilot produced between 2012 and 2024, aiming to ensure that drivers pay attention while using the advanced driver assistance system.
### Safety Issues and Concerns
During its initial safety probe, NHTSA discovered at least 13 Tesla crashes resulting in death, with many more involving serious injuries linked to foreseeable driver misuse of the Autopilot system. The agency also raised issues regarding Tesla’s use of the Autopilot name, suggesting that it might mislead drivers into believing the automation has greater capabilities than it does, potentially leading to over-reliance on the system.
### Consumer Reports Findings
Consumer Reports conducted testing on Tesla’s Autopilot recall update, concluding that the changes did not adequately address NHTSA’s safety concerns. They called on the agency to enforce stronger measures, stating that the recall focused on minor inconveniences rather than addressing the underlying safety risks. Tesla’s Autopilot is designed to assist with steering, acceleration, and braking within a lane, but it does not make the vehicles autonomous.
### Response from Tesla
In response to NHTSA’s findings in December, Tesla announced an over-the-air software update that will enhance controls and alerts for drivers using Autopilot. The company disagreed with NHTSA’s analysis but committed to further encouraging driver engagement while Autosteer is active. NHTSA stressed the importance of ensuring that drivers remain attentive when utilizing Autopilot to prevent accidents.
### Ongoing Investigations and Recalls
Since 2016, NHTSA has initiated more than 40 special crash investigations involving Tesla vehicles using driver systems like Autopilot, resulting in 23 reported crash deaths. Tesla’s recall includes features such as increased visual alerts, automatic disengaging of Autosteer, and restrictions on Autopilot use if improper behavior is detected. The company has also faced scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department, with subpoenas issued related to its Full Self-Driving and Autopilot systems.
In conclusion, the ongoing investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot recall highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems. NHTSA’s findings and Consumer Reports’ assessments underscore the need for continuous improvement in these technologies to prevent accidents and protect drivers on the road. Tesla’s commitment to enhancing controls and alerts demonstrates a willingness to address safety concerns, but further collaboration between automakers, regulators, and consumer advocacy groups is essential to promoting safe and reliable autonomous driving experiences.