Tesla is allowing no-hands driving with Autopilot for longer periods. U.S. regulators have questions

Tesla is under scrutiny from U.S. safety regulators for allowing some drivers to use its Autopilot system without putting their hands on the steering wheel, potentially leading to driver inattention and accidents.

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Relevant topic timeline:

8/1/2023

NHTSA probes 280,000 new Teslas over loss of steering control

Main topic: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating 280,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of loss of steering control and power steering. Key points: - NHTSA is investigating 280,000 Tesla vehicles due to reports of loss of steering control and power steering malfunctioning. - The investigation is focused on the 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. - The malfunctioning is often accompanied by driver-facing messages indicating reduced or disabled power steering assist. - NHTSA received 12 complaints from owners, prompting the investigation. - It is unclear if the investigation is related to Tesla's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). - The preliminary evaluation is the first step towards a formal investigation to determine if there is an unreasonable safety risk. - If necessary, NHTSA may demand a recall, which would require upgrading the probe to an engineering analysis.

8/4/2023

The Morning After: Tesla jailbreak could enable Full Self-Driving for free

Main topic: Security researchers find hardware exploit to unlock upgrades in Tesla cars and Tesla faces fraud allegations. Key points: 1. Security researchers have discovered a hardware exploit in Tesla cars that allows them to bypass security measures and access personal data, including GPS tracking and call logs. 2. The exploit could potentially be used to unlock paywalled features, such as Full Self-Driving, without paying extra. 3. Tesla is also facing fraud allegations, with a class action lawsuit accusing the company of false advertising related to range estimates.

8/28/2023

Tesla braces for its first trial involving Autopilot fatality

Tesla Inc is set to defend itself in two upcoming trials against allegations that its Autopilot feature led to fatal accidents, which will test CEO Elon Musk's claims about the technology and could have significant implications for the company's future.

8/30/2023

Tesla ordered by auto regulators to provide data on 'Elon mode' Autopilot configuration

Tesla has been ordered by federal automotive safety regulators to provide extensive data on its driver assistance and driver monitoring systems, including information on the "Elon mode" configuration that allows drivers to use Autopilot without prompts to engage the steering wheel.

8/30/2023

A hidden Tesla feature nicknamed 'Elon mode' is under scrutiny from regulators after a hacker discovered a way to get rid of a prompt to drivers to keep their hands on the wheel

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered Tesla to hand over data regarding a hidden Autopilot mode that allows drivers to go hands-free for an extended period of time, raising concerns about driver inattention and failure to properly supervise the vehicle.

9/1/2023

Washington investigates Tesla's 'Elon Mode' autopilot

US highway safety regulators are investigating a hidden feature in Tesla's Autopilot software that can disable safety prompts, potentially encouraging unsafe driving behavior.

9/16/2023

Musk Stubbornly Rejected LiDAR Despite Engineers' Safety Concerns About Autopilot Reliance on Cameras Alone

Tesla CEO Elon Musk would frequently berate his engineers after Autopilot's driver assistance technology performed dangerously during test drives, highlighting his stubbornness in how the technology should be built, as revealed in Walter Isaacson's biography on Musk.

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Posted 8/30/2023, 4:05:00 PM

Tesla is allowing no-hands driving with Autopilot for longer periods. U.S. regulators have questions

marketwatch.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/1/2023

NHTSA probes 280,000 new Teslas over loss of steering control

8/4/2023

The Morning After: Tesla jailbreak could enable Full Self-Driving for free

8/28/2023

Tesla braces for its first trial involving Autopilot fatality

8/30/2023

Tesla ordered by auto regulators to provide data on 'Elon mode' Autopilot configuration

8/30/2023

A hidden Tesla feature nicknamed 'Elon mode' is under scrutiny from regulators after a hacker discovered a way to get rid of a prompt to drivers to keep their hands on the wheel

9/1/2023

Washington investigates Tesla's 'Elon Mode' autopilot

US highway safety regulators are investigating a hidden feature in Tesla's Autopilot software that can disable safety prompts, potentially encouraging unsafe driving behavior.

9/16/2023

Musk Stubbornly Rejected LiDAR Despite Engineers' Safety Concerns About Autopilot Reliance on Cameras Alone