Tesla under investigation over possible safety defect

U.S officials are investigating reports of Tesla cars braking unexpectedly on motorways

Regulators in the United States are looking into an issue in a range of Tesla EVs. The so-called “phantom braking” problem is under a probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The administration has received 354 complaints in the past nine months regarding the possible defect, and its investigation will cover approximately 416,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles from 2021-22.

Drivers say the issue occurs using the Autopilot driver assistance system

The autopilot feature, which has come under scrutiny before, gives the vehicle control over some elements of braking and steering when driving, although it is not a substitute for a human driver.

Despite the name, Tesla recommends drivers remain vigilant and supervise their vehicle, noting the Autopilot ADAS system “does not make the vehicle autonomous”.

Tesla is currently under investigation by the NHTSA over two other issues

In December 2021, it disabled its Passenger Play feature that allowed games to be played on its touchscreen while the car is in motion, leading to an open investigation covering an estimated 580,000 vehicles.

In August last year, the NHTSA started to look into the role of the Autopilot system in 11 crashes involving emergency vehicles, covering approximately 765,000 Tesla cars.

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has begun a “preliminary evaluation” into the Elon Musk led company over the complaints.

This is the stage before the agency could officially issue a recall of the vehicles.

It says there have been no crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of the incidents.