Key points
- NHTSA launched an investigation into Tesla. The probe focuses on delayed crash reports involving ADAS.
- Tesla allegedly reported crashes months after they occurred.
- This violates NHTSA’s requirement for timely reporting (within 1-5 days).
- The investigation aims to determine the scope of the issue and Tesla’s mitigation efforts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Thursday it has opened an investigation into Tesla regarding potential violations of federal reporting requirements for crashes involving its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving vehicles.
The agency’s “audit query,” as it’s termed, stems from multiple incident reports submitted by Tesla that indicate significant delays—months in some cases—between the actual occurrence of a crash and its subsequent reporting to the NHTSA. This delay directly contradicts NHTSA regulations, which mandate that such reports be filed within one to five days of Tesla becoming aware of the incident.
The core focus of the NHTSA investigation is to ascertain the root cause of these reporting delays. Investigators will seek to understand the processes and systems within Tesla responsible for reporting crashes to the agency, pinpointing any potential systemic failures or breakdowns that may have contributed to the late submissions.
A crucial aspect of the investigation will be to determine the scale of the problem. The NHTSA needs to establish whether this is an isolated incident or a more widespread issue affecting a significant number of crash reports.
Determining the extent of the problem is essential for gauging the potential safety risks associated with the delayed reporting. Late reporting could hinder the agency’s ability to promptly identify and address potential safety defects in Tesla’s ADAS or self-driving technology. This could prevent the timely implementation of recalls or other corrective actions, potentially leaving drivers vulnerable to future accidents.
The investigation will also examine the mitigation measures Tesla has implemented or plans to implement to prevent future delays in reporting crashes. The NHTSA is likely to examine Tesla’s internal processes, training programs, and technological safeguards designed to ensure timely reporting compliance.
The outcome of this investigation could lead to significant consequences for Tesla, ranging from fines to mandatory recalls, depending on the findings.
