Tesla Wins Arbitration Ruling in Lawsuit Over Autopilot Safety Claims

California federal judge rules Tesla owners must arbitrate false advertising claims over autopilot feature, rejecting class action
Lawsuit accused Tesla of falsely stating its ADAS technology was close to delivering full self-driving vehicles
Ruling is a victory for Tesla, preventing large class actions over autopilot
Comes amid first trial alleging Tesla Autopilot caused death by using untested technology
Plaintiffs said they paid thousands for unreliable autopilot tech that led to accidents, injuries and deaths

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

7/26/2023

Tesla under investigation by California attorney general over Autopilot safety, marketing

Main Topic: The California attorney general's office is investigating Tesla for Autopilot safety issues and false advertising complaints. Key Points: 1. The investigation is seeking information from customers and former employees about Autopilot safety issues and false advertising complaints. 2. Customers have complained about "phantom braking," a known issue that can leave drivers susceptible to accidents. 3. Tesla has not delivered a self-driving car as promised and sells "level 2" systems that require an attentive driver behind the wheel.

8/3/2023

The first Tesla ‘range inflation’ lawsuit has been filed

Main topic: Tesla facing a lawsuit over allegations of consumer fraud regarding exaggerated range estimates of its electric vehicles. Key points: - Several Tesla owners have filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker. - The lawsuit alleges that Tesla violated state consumer fraud statutes by falsely advertising the range of its electric vehicles. - Tesla is accused of grossly overvaluing the range to increase sales. - A Reuters investigation found that Tesla had inflated its range estimates, prompting owners to seek service. - CEO Elon Musk reportedly directed the use of algorithms to provide rosier range numbers. - Tesla created a "diversion team" to handle range complaints and save costs by canceling service appointments.

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.

9/28/2023

EEOC Sues Tesla for Racial Harassment and Discrimination Against Black Workers

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, accusing the company of tolerating racial harassment and retaliation against its Black employees.

10/13/2023

Tesla Seeks to Cut Attorney Fees in $919M Director Pay Settlement

Tesla is urging a Delaware judge to reject $230 million in legal fees requested by shareholder attorneys who won a settlement in a director pay dispute, proposing a fee of $64 million instead.

10/23/2023

Tesla Faces DOJ Investigation Over Claims of Exaggerated Vehicle Range and Safety

The US Department of Justice is investigating Tesla after allegations were made regarding the company's exaggeration of driving range estimates and the diversion of customer complaints, following a class-action lawsuit and a criminal investigation into Tesla's Autopilot claims.

10/24/2023

Tesla Faces DOJ Probe on Autopilot Claims, Misses Earnings Expectations

Tesla is facing mounting federal scrutiny as the Justice Department has issued subpoenas requesting information on its automated driving systems, including autopilot and full self-driving features, as well as other issues such as personal benefits and vehicle range.

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Posted 10/2/2023, 4:06:00 PM