Tesla and NHTSA withhold data on Autopilot crashes, report suggests

An investigation by the Wall Street Journal has revealed that Tesla and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are allegedly withholding information regarding over 200 crashes involving Tesla's Autopilot system. The report indicates that both entities have classified critical details about these incidents as confidential business information. The investigation highlights that the Autopilot system has faced challenges in navigating obstacles, with some vehicles veering off the road or colliding with emergency vehicles. Tesla claims it can only share data when legally required, while the NHTSA cites privacy laws as a reason for not disclosing specific crash details. The Autopilot system, marketed as an advanced driver assistance tool, does not provide full autonomy and requires drivers to remain attentive. Critics argue that the marketing of Autopilot may mislead consumers about its capabilities, as it relies solely on cameras rather than radar or LiDAR technology. The report raises concerns about the safety implications of the Autopilot system and the transparency of data related to its performance in real-world scenarios.

- Tesla and NHTSA are accused of concealing crash data related to Autopilot.

- The investigation covered over 200 incidents, revealing issues with the system's obstacle navigation.

- Tesla claims data sharing is limited to legal requirements, while NHTSA cites privacy laws.

- Autopilot is marketed as an advanced driver assistance system, not a fully autonomous solution.

- Critics highlight potential consumer misperceptions regarding Autopilot's capabilities.