The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is re-investigating Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance system over concerns that a previous recall did not address key safety concerns.
The agency previously conducted a probe over the course of three years to determine whether Autopilot was to blame for traffic incidents. It concluded that the system did not include features that kept drivers engaged on the road, resulting in inattention. Tesla recalled the software in December, updating the software of more than 2 million vehicles to comply with the NHTSA.
However, the administration says that some of the concerns outlined in its original investigation were left unaddressed by the electric vehicle maker’s update. In addition to further traffic incidents involving the use of Autopilot following the recall, the auto regulator noted that it had obtained evidence of persistent safety oversights through “preliminary NHTSA tests of remedied vehicles.”
The agency also cited concerns that the term “Autopilot” may mislead car owners about the capabilities of the platform. Tesla has faced similar criticism for its more advanced Full Self Driving system. Neither service is capable of full autonomy and can only provide Level 2 assistance to drivers.
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the company’s plans to introduce a self-driving robotaxi as early as August 2024.
