The German newspaper Handelsblatt has recently made headlines when it reported that it had obtained a substantial leak of internal Tesla data from a whistleblower. The leaked information, amounting to 100GB, included thousands of customer complaints regarding Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. These complaints alleged that Autopilot had either caused or contributed to accidents and that Tesla had not adequately addressed the safety concerns raised by its customers.
The leaked data shed light on the extent of the reported issues with Tesla’s Autopilot system. It revealed that over 2,400 reports were filed regarding self-acceleration problems, while 1,500 cases documented braking issues related to Autopilot. The complaints also encompassed 139 instances of unintentional emergency braking and 383 reports of phantom stops triggered by false collision warnings. Moreover, the data included more than 1,000 crash reports and a table outlining 3,000 incidents where drivers expressed concerns about the safety of Tesla’s driver assistance system.
The gravity of the leaked data has sparked serious concerns about the safety of Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD features. Consequently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated investigations into Tesla’s Autopilot system after receiving over 100 complaints implicating the system in accidents. The NHTSA is also examining Tesla’s FSD software following the company’s announcement that it would allow users to disable the “steering wheel nag,” a feature requiring drivers to keep their hands on the wheel while using Autopilot.
Tesla, in response to the allegations, has defended the safety of its Autopilot and FSD systems when used correctly. However, the leaked data strongly indicates that there are substantial safety concerns associated with these features. As the NHTSA continues its investigation, the public eagerly awaits the agency’s findings, which are expected to be released in the coming months.
It is worth noting that the data leak originated from a Tesla employee who had become apprehensive about the safety implications of the company’s Autopilot and FSD features. This employee, acting as a whistleblower, decided to make the data public, raising further questions about Tesla’s internal testing procedures, which the individual deemed inadequate.
In addition to the ongoing NHTSA investigation, Tesla is now facing a series of lawsuits filed by individuals who have been injured in accidents involving Autopilot. These lawsuits allege that Tesla was aware of the safety issues related to Autopilot but failed to take appropriate action to rectify them.
The consequences of this data leak are substantial and have dealt a significant blow to Tesla’s reputation. Despite being one of the most successful automakers in recent years, the safety concerns brought to light by the leaked data could tarnish the company’s brand image and potentially impact its sales.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Tesla to address these safety concerns promptly and transparently. The company must demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers by implementing necessary improvements to the Autopilot and FSD features. Only through rigorous testing, effective risk mitigation, and proactive response to customer concerns can Tesla regain the trust and confidence of the public.
