Another week, another clear indication that Tesla’s Self-Driving functionality should in no way remain available to the general public. Earlier today, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration announced that it is upgrading its current investigation into crashes purportedly involving the EV maker’s Autopilot mode to an “engineering analysis,” which The New York Times explains is the “more intensive level of scrutiny that is required before a recall can be ordered.”
The more detailed review will examine not only drivers’ propensity to become distracted while their Autopilot is engaged, but also will look into whether or not the system itself is liable to cause crashes while enabled. Although the NHTSA’s initial look at Tesla focused on just 11 particular wrecks, that number has subsequently skyrocketed to at least 191 cases the agency feels warrant a closer look. Depending on the government’s findings, the more intense review could potentially affect all Tesla models produced between 2014 and 2021 — roughly 830,000 vehicles in total.
