Tesla Investigated for Automated Driving Software Features

Tesla’s automated driving software is currently the subject of a U.S. Justice Department investigation.

Tesla confirmed in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing this week that the company has been issued subpoenas for documents related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. 

The document included Tesla acknowledging that it has received information requests, including subpoenas from the Department of Justice including “requests for documents related to Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD features. Additionally, the Company has received requests for information, including subpoenas from the DOJ, regarding certain matters associated with personal benefits, related parties, vehicle range and personnel decisions.” 

In the filing, Tesla said to its knowledge, “no government agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred.”

This is the latest in ongoing investigations into Tesla’s self-driving software. 

In August the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further intensified its scrutiny of Tesla’s driver-assistance systems, sending the automaker a letter that once again required it to provide more information about Autopilot and its driver-monitoring tech.

In that instance, the NHTSA was particularly concerned about what it terms an “Autopilot configuration that, when enabled, allows drivers using Autopilot to operate their vehicles for extended periods without Autopilot prompting the driver to apply torque to the steering wheel.”

Related:Tesla Autopilot Safety Faces More Scrutiny

Tesla said in the SEC filing this week that while it cannot predict the outcome or impact of any ongoing matters, “should the government decide to pursue an enforcement action, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, results of operation, prospects, cash flows, financial position or brand.

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