Police Launch Investigation into Tesla Defect Allegations... Complainant Under Investigation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The Seoul police have launched an investigation into allegations that the U.S. electric vehicle company Tesla concealed vehicle defects while continuing to sell the cars.

On the 9th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul summoned representatives from the Consumer Sovereignty Citizens' Association, who filed a complaint against Tesla Korea, Tesla's U.S. headquarters, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on charges of fraud and violations of the Automobile Management Act, and conducted a two-hour complainant investigation.

The group claimed that the hidden door system applied to some Tesla models (a structure where the door handle is concealed and pops out when touched by the owner) is a serious defect that makes it difficult to rescue occupants in the event of a power outage caused by an accident. They also pointed out that Tesla falsely advertised its autonomous driving assistance feature as full self-driving. Additionally, they alleged that Tesla updated vehicle software wirelessly via Wi-Fi and mobile communications without notifying the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Before the complainant investigation, representatives of the Consumer Sovereignty Citizens' Association held a press conference, stating, "Tesla is neglecting consumer safety and lives while reaping astronomical economic profits," and called for "a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and strict punishment by investigative authorities."

The case is expected to be transferred to and investigated by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.