NHTSA Wraps Up Autopilot Probe, Questions Effectiveness of Tesla's Fix

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has wrapped up a lengthy inquiry into Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance system after examining hundreds of incidents involving its misuse, including 13 fatal crashes and numerous others causing serious injuries. 

However, even as this investigation concludes, NHTSA is initiating a fresh inquiry to assess the effectiveness of Tesla's Autopilot recall fix implemented in December. 

In documents released on Friday, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation stated that its comprehensive analysis revealed evidence indicating that "Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities." 

The agency emphasized a "critical safety gap" between drivers' perceptions of Autopilot's capabilities and its actual functionality, leading to misuse and preventable accidents. 

This conclusion marks the end of a significant government effort to scrutinize Tesla's Autopilot software, which began in 2021. 

Despite the closure of this probe, Tesla remains under scrutiny from various other investigations and legal actions. 

The Department of Justice is examining the company's technology claims, while the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of misleading advertising regarding Autopilot and Full Self-Driving beta software. 

During its investigation, NHTSA reviewed 956 reported crashes until August 30, 2023.

Among these, 467 crashes were further analyzed, revealing patterns such as frontal collisions, roadway departures in low-traction conditions, and instances where Autosteer was inadvertently disengaged by the driver's inputs, often resulting in severe outcomes. 

Tesla advises drivers to remain attentive and keep their hands on the wheel while using Autopilot, but NHTSA and other safety groups have criticized these measures as insufficient. 

Despite Tesla's recall fix intended to enhance driver monitoring, NHTSA finds concerns about its efficacy. Parts of the recall fix are optional, and certain safeguards can be easily reversed by the driver, according to NHTSA's assessment. 

Throughout the investigation, NHTSA encountered challenges with Tesla's data, particularly regarding gaps in telematic reporting, limiting the company's awareness of crashes involving Autopilot.

The agency highlighted that Tesla's data collection covers only a fraction of reported crashes, raising questions about the accuracy of crash data provided by the company. 

As NHTSA concludes one chapter of its investigation into Tesla's Autopilot, the scrutiny surrounding the system's safety and effectiveness continues, underscoring ongoing concerns about the integration of advanced driver assistance technologies on public roads.