The NHTSA is Investigating Tesla's Autopilot Recall

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

Late last year, Tesla recalled two million vehicles to add more driver monitoring safeguards to its Autopilot feature, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is worried it might not have done enough. The NHTSA recently announced that it was opening an investigation into the recall after crashes involving “fixed” vehicles and its early testing on the issue.


Autopilot had already been under investigation by the NHTSA for years, with the agency saying that “Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities.” It also noted that the deficiencies created a “critical safety gap.”


Part of Tesla’s recall fix also requires the driver to opt in and lets them easily reverse it, which, you know, defeats the purpose of a recall. At the time of the action, the automaker said its controls “may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse,” noting that they could increase the risk of a crash. The NHTSA’s investigation also found more than a dozen fatal accidents where the driver’s abuse of the system contributed.


Tesla’s marketing and naming conventions have also been questioned, with the NHTSA saying that Autopilot could inspire false confidence in the system’s capabilities. Its Full Self-Driving feature is in the same boat, though the automaker recently included new language on its website that outlines the need for an attentive driver. Still, there are several examples of gross driver abuse of the tech online, so it might be time for Tesla to actually do something to fix the problem.


[Image: Shutterstock]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X As much problems as I had with my '96 Chevy Impala SS.....I would love to try one again. I've seen a Dark Cherry Metallic one today and it looked great.
  • Susan O’Neil There is a good reason to keep the Chevrolet Malibu and other 4 door family sedans! You can transport your parents and other somewhat handicapped people comfortably and safety! If someone can stand and pivot you can put them in your car. An armrest in the back seat is appreciated and a handle above the door! Oh…and leather seats so your passenger can slide across the seat! 😊Plus, you can place a full sized wheelchair or walker in the trunk! The car sits a little lower…so it’s doable! I currently have a Ford Fusion and we have a Honda Accord. Our previous cars were Mercury Sables-excellent for transporting handicapped people and equipment! As the population ages-sedans are a very practical choice! POV from a retired handicapped advocate and daughter! 😊
  • Freddie Remember those ads that say "Call your doctor if you still have...after four hours"?You don't need to call your doctor, just get behind the wheel of a CUV. In fact, just look at one.I'm a car guy with finite resources; I can't afford a practical car during the week plus a fun car on the weekend. My solution is my Honda Civic Si 4 door sedan. Maybe yours is a Dodge Charger (a lot of new Chargers are still on dealer lots).
  • Daniel J Interesting in that we have several weeks where the temperature stays below 45 but all weather tires can't be found in a shop anywhere. I guess all seasons are "good enough".
  • Steve Biro For all the talk about sedans vs CUVs and SUVs, I simply can’t bring myself to buy any modern vehicle. And I know it’s only going to get worse.
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