NHTSA seeks more info from Tesla in ‘phantom braking’ safety probe

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WASHINGTON — The nation’s top vehicle basic safety regulator is requesting much more facts from Tesla Inc. to support its investigation of selected Model 3 and Model Y motor vehicles geared up with Autopilot right after stories alleging “phantom braking.”

NHTSA’s request comes after the company in February opened the investigation into an estimated 416,000 Design 3 and Product Y autos from the 2021-22 model years after obtaining 354 complaints of unanticipated braking even though using Autopilot’s driver-assist features.

In a letter sent May well 4 to Eddie Gates, Tesla’s director of discipline quality, NHTSA stated the range of stories of unforeseen brake activation in these vehicles experienced improved to 758.

The agency is now searching for further specifics from Tesla, together with any problems or lawsuits connected to the alleged defect as effectively as studies involving a crash, harm or demise.

Tesla has until June 20 to respond, or it could experience civil penalties of up to nearly $115 million.

In accordance to the letter, posted Friday, NHTSA is inquiring Tesla to explain any assessments, assessments, studies, simulations or similar actions that have been carried out by, or for, the automaker as it relates to the alleged defect. The company also would like to know what components and software program modifications have been built to the afflicted autos considering the fact that the commence of generation.

Other requests contain a comprehensive description of the program layout and procedure, like all affiliated sensor technologies, as well as Tesla’s assessment of the alleged defect, circumstances that may final result in unanticipated brake activation and involved protection dangers.

Tesla, which disbanded its media relations section, did not right away reply to a ask for for comment.

The electrical automobile maker has continued to face better regulatory scrutiny under the Biden administration.

Last 12 months, NHTSA opened an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot process soon after a collection of crashes involving its versions and crisis motor vehicles. The ongoing probe covers an believed 765,000 Teslas from the 2014-21 product many years. Most of the crashes transpired following darkish and in whole resulted in 17 injuries and a single loss of life.

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