Federal investigators ask Tesla for information on Autopilot fix

Federal investigators are asking Tesla for more information on its Autopilot fix, which was instituted in the wake of a 2023 recall of more than 2 million Tesla vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking for more information from the auto manufacturer as the number of crashes has gone up, despite the software update that was added in late 2023. 

Tesla recalled more than 2 million vehicles last year to determine whether the updates made to the Autopilot driving system were enough to keep drivers safe.

The agency said last month it was investigating the recall over the Autopilot driving system’s safeguards. Following the update to bolster warnings, 20 crashes have been documented. The recall involved all of Tesla’s models with the driver assistance system.

Now, federal investigators are asking Tesla for more insight into how the company went about the update and how it factored in human factor science when developing the Autopilot system, according to an 18-page letter posted Tuesday on the NHTSA’s website. 

Tesla is asked to detail jobs connected to human factors at the company and how the recall tackled turning on and off the Autopilot system when the steering wheel is touched.

Tesla has until July 1 to respond to the agency, but it can ask for an extension. The company could be hit with penalties of up to $27,168 per day, with the maximum penalty surpassing $135 million, if the NHTSA determines Tesla does not “promptly and fully” respond to the letter.

The Hill has reached out to Tesla for comment.