Tesla Faces Multiple Complaints of Sudden Emergency Braking During High-Speed Driving... US Authorities Launch Investigation

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Bloomberg reported on the 2nd (local time) that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation after multiple driver complaints were raised that Tesla electric vehicles suddenly apply brakes automatically at high speeds.

According to the report, NHTSA stated in a press release on the same day, "We are aware of complaints regarding the forward collision avoidance radar alert system and are reviewing them through a risk-based evaluation process." NHTSA added that it will review additional data and consult with Tesla, and if the data shows related risks, immediate action will be taken.

According to driver complaints posted on the NHTSA website, last month a driver in Madison, Wisconsin, reported that while driving a 2021 Tesla Model 3 at high speed, the brakes suddenly engaged, nearly causing an accident. He explained, "I was driving at 60 mph (about 97 km/h) using the cruise control function," and "when a large truck came from the opposite lane, the Tesla suddenly applied the brakes, and a following Ford F150 truck almost collided with my car."

Another driver, who owns a 2021 Model 3 in La Belle, West Virginia, also raised the issue, stating, "While driving with cruise control, the car suddenly braked for no reason. I narrowly avoided a collision with the car behind me." He claimed, "This sudden braking happened several times and was frightening. Because of this, I had to turn off the Autopilot and cruise control functions when there were cars behind me."

Bloomberg reported that Tesla has not issued a separate statement regarding this matter.

Earlier, Tesla decided to recall about 54,000 vehicles in the U.S. equipped with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta version due to a defect in the FSD software. This was due to concerns that the FSD’s 'rolling stop' feature, which reduces speed slightly without fully stopping the car at stop signs when it determines there are no other vehicles or pedestrians, could pose safety risks at intersections.

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