NHTSA Investigations Into Tesla: What Illinois Drivers Need to Know

Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry with its sleek electric vehicles (EVs), groundbreaking technology, and a promise of a sustainable future. However, the cutting-edge nature of Tesla’s vehicles has also brought scrutiny, particularly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA has launched several investigations into Tesla’s vehicles and their advanced features, including the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. These investigations highlight significant safety concerns that Illinois drivers and Tesla owners should be aware of.

This blog delves into the NHTSA’s investigations into Tesla vehicles, explores Tesla’s safety record, and provides insights for Illinois residents who may be involved in car accidents involving Tesla vehicles or may have defective product claims against Tesla. We will also look at relevant statistics and legal considerations that could affect personal injury claims here in Illinois.

Overview of NHTSA Investigations into Tesla

The NHTSA, the federal agency responsible for ensuring road safety, has launched multiple investigations into Tesla’s vehicles. These investigations primarily focus on the company’s advanced driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. According to the NHTSA, Tesla vehicles using these systems have been involved in numerous accidents, some of which resulted in fatalities.

Key Investigations:

1. Autopilot Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles: Since 2016, the NHTSA has been investigating at least 41 crashes involving Tesla vehicles using Autopilot. These incidents include 19 fatalities and multiple injuries. A significant number of these crashes involved Tesla vehicless colliding with stationary emergency vehicles, such as police cars and fire trucks, which were parked with flashing lights. In 2021, the NHTSA expanded this probe to include approximately 830,000 Tesla vehicles across all four models (Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y).
2. Phantom Braking: In 2022, the NHTSA received over 750 complaints regarding Tesla vehicles suddenly and inexplicably braking while using Autopilot. This phenomenon, known as “phantom braking,” has raised questions about the reliability of Tesla’s sensors and software. In response, the NHTSA launched an investigation affecting nearly 416,000 vehicles, and several Tesla owners have filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the phantom braking creates a safety risk for drivers.
3. Full Self-Driving Beta Program: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system has been a game-changer, offering a promise of hands-free driving. However, the system has faced criticism for misleading advertising and safety concerns. In 2023, the NHTSA forced Tesla to recall some of its vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving Beta due to software issues that increased the risk of accidents.
4. Battery Fires: Tesla vehicles have also been under scrutiny for incidents involving battery fires. The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries can result in severe fires that are difficult to extinguish. While Tesla maintains that its EVs are safer than gasoline-powered cars, the NHTSA has investigated several cases of battery-related fires.

Tesla Safety Statistics: A Closer Look

While Tesla often touts its vehicles as the safest on the road, the data presents a mixed picture.

1. Crash Rates with Autopilot vs. Without: According to Tesla’s 2023 Vehicle Safety Report, vehicles using Autopilot were involved in 0.18 crashes per million miles driven, compared to 1.53 crashes per million miles for vehicles without Autopilot. However, these statistics are not directly comparable due to differences in driving conditions (e.g., highway driving vs. urban driving).
2. Fatalities Involving Tesla Vehicles: The NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla’s Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems-related crashes found that Tesla vehicles were involved in 273 reported crashes between July 2021 and June 2022. These crashes accounted for nearly 70% of all Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems-related incidents reported during that period.
3. Battery Fire Incidents: Research by the NHTSA found that electric vehicles, including Teslas, have a lower overall fire risk compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. However, when fires do occur, they are often more severe due to the thermal runaway effect in lithium-ion batteries.

Legal Implications for Illinois Residents

Product Liability in Tesla Crashes

Under Illinois law, Tesla could be held liable for accidents caused by defects in its vehicles or software. Product liability claims typically fall under three categories:

1. Design Defects: Claims alleging that Tesla’s Autopilot or Full Self-Driving systems were inherently unsafe due to their design.
2. Manufacturing Defects: Claims involving issues such as faulty sensors or improperly installed hardware.
3. Failure to Warn: Claims that Tesla failed to adequately warn users about the limitations of its Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems features.

Fault of the Driver for Using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving

If a driver relies on Autopilot or Full Self-Driving features and causes a crash, they may be liable for the car accident as well.

Investigating Tesla Crashes

Accidents involving Tesla vehicles often require specialized investigation to determine liability. Key considerations include:

• Data Logs: Tesla vehicles record detailed driving data, which can provide crucial evidence.
• Software Updates: Tesla frequently issues over-the-air updates that can affect vehicle performance.
• Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts may be needed to analyze Autopilot performance and determine fault.

How NHTSA Investigations Impact Personal Injury Claims

The NHTSA’s findings can significantly influence personal injury claims involving Tesla vehicles. For example:

1. Strengthening Claims: If the NHTSA identifies a defect in Tesla’s technology, it can bolster a plaintiff’s argument in a product liability case that Tesla’s technology was defective.
2. Identifying Recalls: If your Tesla vehicle was subject to a recall and the issue contributed to your accident, this information could support your claim.
3. Public Perception: NHTSA investigations can impact how juries perceive Tesla’s safety record and influence the outcome of trials.

What Illinois Drivers Should Do After a Tesla Accident

If you are involved in a car accident with a Tesla vehicle, follow these steps:

1. Call 911: Report the accident and ensure that injured parties receive medical attention.
2. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
3. Gather Information: Collect contact details from the other driver, as well as witnesses.
4. Request Data Logs: If the Tesla driver was using Autopilot or FULL SELF-DRIVING, request access to the vehicle’s data logs.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: A lawyer experienced in Illinois personal injury law can help you navigate the complexities of Tesla-related cases.

Contact the Illinois Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Tesla’s innovative vehicles have transformed the automotive landscape, but they also pose unique safety challenges. The NHTSA’s ongoing investigations underscore the importance of addressing these concerns to protect drivers and passengers. For Illinois residents, understanding the implications of these investigations is crucial, especially if you are involved in an accident with a Tesla vehicle.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a Tesla, the top-rated Naperville car accident attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.