Over 750 Complaints: Feds Investigate Tesla's 'Phantom Braking' Problem
Federal safety regulators have launched a formal investigation into Tesla's Autopilot system after receiving more than 750 complaints from owners about "phantom braking." The issue involves vehicles suddenly braking at highway speeds for no apparent reason, creating a serious risk of a rear-end collision. The probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initially covers an estimated 416,000 vehicles.
What is 'Phantom Braking'?
Owners report that while using driver-assist features like Autopilot or even just adaptive cruise control, their car will unexpectedly and aggressively apply the brakes. These incidents occur without any obvious obstruction on the road, leaving drivers and surrounding traffic scrambling to react.
- High Speeds: The complaints overwhelmingly describe these events happening on highways, where the danger is significantly magnified.
- No Warning: Drivers report that the deceleration is sudden and occurs without any prior warning or alert from the vehicle's system.
- Repeated Occurrences: Many owners have stated that the phantom braking can happen multiple times during a single drive.
Investigation Focuses on Model 3 and Model Y
The NHTSA investigation is primarily focused on 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This timing is significant, as it coincides with Tesla's decision to remove radar sensors from its new vehicles and rely exclusively on a camera-based system known as "Tesla Vision" for its Autopilot functions. Regulators are now scrutinizing whether this shift in hardware is a contributing factor to the braking problem.
What This Means for Owners
For now, the investigation is a "Preliminary Evaluation," the first step in a process that could eventually lead to a mandatory recall. NHTSA is requesting detailed information from Tesla, including all consumer complaints, warranty claims, and any internal testing data related to the issue. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the future of Tesla's driver-assistance technology and autonomous driving ambitions.