Tesla’s Autopilot: The Safety Concerns and the Quest for Improvement

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance system, following concerns about accidents that occurred after a software update on the company’s vehicles in December.

The agency’s investigation revealed security flaws in Tesla’s driver assistance system, but the company has since made software updates to address some of the concerns. Tesla called in over two million vehicles for maintenance in the U.S. in December, the largest repair call to date.

The NHTSA’s investigation focused on Tesla models manufactured between 2012 and 2024, as well as the Cybertruck model, and found at least 13 accidents involving the driver assistance system. The agency is also concerned that the name “Autopilot” could mislead drivers into over-relying on automation.

Consumer Reports also found that Tesla’s software update did not sufficiently address safety concerns highlighted by NHTSA. The agency has been working to address these issues to ensure the safety of drivers using Tesla’s Autopilot system.

In response to these findings, Tesla has stated that it will continue to work with regulators and other stakeholders to improve its Autopilot system and ensure its safety for all users.

Overall, this investigation highlights the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration between car manufacturers, regulators, and consumer advocacy groups in ensuring the safety of autonomous driving technology.