The U.S. government's highway safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has raised concerns about Tesla's messaging regarding the capabilities of its vehicles. The agency has pointed out discrepancies between public statements made by Tesla and the information provided in owners manuals and briefings with the agency.
The agency's inquiry stems from a probe into crashes involving Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system in low-visibility conditions. The investigation was initiated following reports of four crashes where Teslas equipped with the system encountered challenges such as sun glare, fog, and airborne dust, resulting in accidents, including a fatal one.
Critics, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have criticized Tesla for using misleading names like 'Full Self-Driving' and 'Autopilot' for its partially automated driving systems. These terms have led some owners to believe that the vehicles are fully autonomous.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made bold claims about the readiness of the Full Self-Driving system, stating that autonomous Models Y and 3 will be operational without human drivers next year. Musk also mentioned plans for robotaxis without steering wheels to be available in 2026.
The NHTSA has requested Tesla to review its communications to ensure consistency with user instructions. The agency highlighted instances where Tesla's social media posts seemed to suggest that Full Self-Driving is capable of driving itself, potentially leading drivers to overestimate the system's capabilities.
The investigation will focus on the system's performance in low-visibility conditions and the adequacy of feedback provided to drivers. Tesla has been given until December to respond to the agency's inquiries.
Concerns have been raised about the potential influence of Tesla's CEO on government regulations, as Elon Musk has expressed interest in developing national safety standards for self-driving vehicles. Auto safety advocates have cautioned against allowing business moguls to have direct involvement in regulations that impact their companies.
