Tesla Discloses 2 More Fatal Crashes Involving Autopilot

Tesla has reported two more fatal crashes involving its self-driving Autopilot system.

Since last year, automakers have been required to turn over(Opens in a new window) data to the Transportation Department about crashes involving vehicles equipped with level 2(Opens in a new window) advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). As Reuters notes(Opens in a new window), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged 18 fatal crashes since June 2021. Sixteen involved Tesla vehicles, and two of those Tesla crashes occurred between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, according to data released this week.

Both incidents involved Tesla Model 3 sedans and Autopilot technology and happened in California, according to Bloomberg(Opens in a new window).

“NHTSA has reviewed [the California] crashes and is conducting appropriate follow-up,” the agency tells Reuters. “NHTSA uses many data sources in its enforcement processes.”

With Level 2 partial automation, the ADAS can take over steering, acceleration, and braking in specific scenarios, but the driver must remain alert and actively supervise the vehicle.

The news comes just days after Tesla promised to assist Chinese police investigating a recent crash involving a Model Y car. Local media reports claim two people—a motorcyclist and high school student—died and three were injured when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he’s aiming for a “wide release” of Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) beta for all Tesla owners by the end of this year. He also said anyone who buys a new Tesla going forward will have access to FSD, as long as they can cough up the extra $15,000 it costs to receive it via a vehicle software update.

As of July, Tesla had 100,000 “city streets” FSD beta testers. Last summer, the NHTSA opened an investigation into Autopilot in response to 11 crashes, a probe it expanded in June.