Endanger The Driver, Tesla's Autopilot Steering System Still Has Problems

JAKARTA - US media, Consumer Reports, on Tuesday, July 20, stated that Tesla Inc's (TSLA.O) "Full Self-Driving" software did not have sufficient protection and raised concerns about using autonomous driving systems on public roads. This has put society at dangerous risk, as reported by drivers.

The influential consumer publication cited videos posted on social media of Tesla drivers using them and raised concerns about the issue, including "vehicles getting lost in turns, getting scratched by bushes, and instead walking towards another car parked on the side of the road."

Consumer Reports said it plans to independently test a software update known as FSD Beta 9, as soon as the Model Y receives the update.

In response, Tesla and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not immediately comment.

"The video of FSD Beta 9 in action doesn't show a system that makes driving safer or even less stressful," said Jake Fisher, Senior Director of the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. "Consumers only pay to be test technicians to develop technology without adequate security safeguards."

In April 2021, Consumer Reports said its engineers were able to beat the protection on Tesla's Autopilot and get out of the driver's seat.

Last month, NHTSA revealed it had opened 30 investigations into Tesla crashes involving 10 deaths since 2016, in which an advanced driver assistance system was allegedly used.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Autopilot system, which handles multiple driving tasks, has operated in at least three Tesla vehicles involved in fatal crashes in the US since 2016.

The NTSB has criticized Tesla's lack of a protection system for Autopilot, which allows drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for extended periods of time.

Tesla said last week eligible owners could subscribe to FSD for $99 or $199 per month. Tesla says "currently activated FSD features do not make the vehicle autonomous. Currently, activated features require an attentive driver, who is at the wheel and ready to take over at any time."