The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla due to delays in submitting reports of self-driving crashes involving the company’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems.
Delays in Reporting Crashes
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received reports from Tesla several months after the crashes occurred. According to the agency, companies are required to submit reports within one to five days of a crash, as per the Standing General Order 2021-01. The order pertains to driver assistance system-related crashes.
Tesla’s Explanation for Delays
Tesla has attributed the delays to issues with data collection, which have since been resolved. The company submitted the reports in two ways: some as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis.
Ongoing Investigations and Lawsuits
The NHTSA investigation is not the only challenge Tesla is currently facing. The agency is also investigating possible traffic violations committed by Tesla’s Robotaxi during its launch event in Austin. Additionally, the company is facing multiple lawsuits over its FSD system, including a class-action lawsuit that was recently certified by a judge in California. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla made misleading claims about the capabilities of its FSD system.
Other Challenges for Tesla
Tesla investors have expressed concerns about Elon Musk’s $29 billion pay package, which awards the CEO 96 million shares in the company. The investors are demanding a NASDAQ probe into the award. Furthermore, Tesla’s Gigafactory in Germany was evacuated after a fire incident involving battery cells. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Conclusion
The NHTSA investigation into Tesla’s delayed crash test reports is a significant development that highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the company. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, companies like Tesla must prioritize transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by investors, regulators, and consumers alike.