Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 11:01PM GMT Mon, 11nt November, 2024

Tesla has been cautioned by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for allegedly misleading consumers through social media posts that imply its vehicles are autonomous robotaxis, endangering drivers by creating potentially unsafe expectations around its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.

According to an email from NHTSA’s Gregory Magno to Tesla’s board, disclosed last Friday, the electric car maker has “re-posted or endorsed postings that exhibit disengaged driver behavior” on its X (formerly Twitter) account, which conflicts with Tesla’s official messaging that drivers should maintain control at all times. Magno serves as the division chief in the NHTSA’s office of defects investigations.

NHTSA Concerns Over Misleading Social Media Posts

Tesla’s social media content, including posts on X, has led some users to expect the FSD system to function as a fully autonomous “robotaxi,” though it still requires human supervision. NHTSA emphasized that the FSD system needs a driver to be prepared to steer or brake at any given moment.

Tesla’s deadline to formally respond to the NHTSA’s letter is December 18, 2024, which includes requests for comprehensive information about the FSD-related technology and specific communications shared on social media. If the company fails to respond, it may face penalties of up to $135.8 million. However, Tesla has the option to request an extension.

Investigation Following FSD-Involved Collisions

The NHTSA is currently examining potential safety issues within Tesla’s FSD option. This probe follows several high-profile incidents involving FSD, including collisions that reportedly occurred within 30 seconds of activating the system. In one tragic case, a Tesla driver using FSD was involved in a fatal accident with a pedestrian.

Posts flagged by NHTSA include one where a driver was en route to a hospital using FSD, reportedly experiencing a possible heart attack. Another social media post featured a driver using FSD for a 50-minute journey home from a sporting event. The posts imply benefits to using FSD while fatigued or even inebriated—scenarios that could increase the likelihood of accidents.

NHTSA’s Recommendations to Tesla

The NHTSA has urged Tesla to align its online content with the actual FSD system’s functionality. The agency stressed that Tesla’s social media communications should mirror user instructions and be “appropriate to the level of capability deployed to public roads.”

Musk’s Policy Agenda and Tesla’s Market Rise

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, has made no formal comment on the NHTSA’s warning. Musk’s broader vision includes reducing federal regulations while pushing for a federal safety standard tailored to autonomous vehicles, aligning with his support for reduced government intervention.

Tesla’s shares have surged by 28% in recent trading sessions, with the company’s valuation surpassing $1 trillion last Friday. Despite rising public scrutiny, Tesla’s appeal to investors and market dominance remains substantial.

Tesla has not yet issued a public statement in response to the NHTSA’s letter. For those interested in the agency’s official communication to Tesla, you can read the NHTSA letter here.

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Meta Description: Tesla has come under scrutiny from the NHTSA for social media posts that could mislead consumers into thinking its Full Self-Driving feature operates as a robotaxi, raising concerns over driver safety and the limits of automation.