Tesla's Autopilot Faces Additional Concerns

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【Summary】Tesla is under scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding its Autopilot system. The NHTSA has ordered Tesla to address concerns about a possible workaround that allows drivers to operate their vehicles for extended periods without prompting them to apply torque to the steering wheel. Tesla submitted a confidential reply to the NHTSA's request, and the investigation is part of a series of probes targeting Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 4:14 PM PT

Tesla's Autopilot Faces Additional Concerns

Tesla Inc. is currently under scrutiny from federal regulators regarding its Autopilot driver-assistance system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a "special order" due to concerns about a potential workaround that allows drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for extended periods.

In a letter posted on the agency's website on August 29, the NHTSA stated that Tesla has introduced an Autopilot configuration that does not prompt the driver to apply torque to the steering wheel. The agency requested a response from Tesla by August 25 to address this issue and ensure drivers remain alert and ready to take control of the vehicle.

Tesla submitted a confidential reply to the NHTSA within the given deadline. However, the company has not yet provided a public comment on the matter.

This investigation into Tesla's Autopilot software configuration follows a June report by CNBC about a setting that allows drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for an extended period of time. This setting was humorously referred to as "Elon mode" by an online security researcher.

On Tesla's website, it is stated that the Autopilot software is intended for use with a fully attentive driver who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment.

The Autopilot probe is part of a series of investigations launched by the NHTSA in 2021, targeting Tesla, its products, and its CEO, Elon Musk. The regulators are also examining potential issues with Tesla's seat belts, steering wheels, and other driver-assistance features.