Tesla's Autopilot Faces New Problem

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【Summary】Tesla is under scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over its Autopilot system. The agency has ordered Tesla to address concerns about a possible workaround that allows drivers to operate their vehicles without applying torque to the steering wheel. Tesla has submitted a confidential reply to the NHTSA's request. This comes as part of ongoing investigations into Tesla's products and CEO Elon Musk.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 4:37 PM PT

Tesla Inc. is currently under increased scrutiny from federal regulators regarding its driver-assistance system, Autopilot. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a "special order" to Tesla, expressing concerns about a potential workaround that allows drivers to operate their vehicles without being prompted to apply torque to the steering wheel.

In a letter dated July 26 and posted on the agency's website on August 29, the NHTSA asked Tesla to respond by August 25 regarding the possibility of this feature being used to bypass the system's monitoring efforts to keep drivers alert and ready to take full control of the vehicle.

Tesla submitted a confidential reply within the given deadline, according to a document posted by the NHTSA on August 29. However, Tesla has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment.

This development follows a June report by CNBC, which highlighted an Autopilot setting that allows drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for an extended period. This setting was humorously referred to as "Elon mode" by an online security researcher.

Tesla's website explicitly states that Autopilot 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 targeting Tesla, its products, and its CEO, Elon Musk. Federal regulators are also looking into potential issues with Tesla's seat belts, steering wheels, and other driver-assistance features.