The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised concerns about Tesla’s social media presence, stating that the automaker’s posts contradict its official stance on driver responsibility.
According to a recently publicized email from May, NHTSA official Gregory Magno highlighted that Tesla’s social media accounts, particularly on X, have shared content showing concerning driver behavior.
If humans can drive somewhere, FSD Supervised can too
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 21, 2024
No HD maps required https://t.co/aBSipPQ42h
The controversy emerges despite Tesla’s clear disclaimers about its vehicles’ capabilities.
While the company recently unveiled its autonomous Robotaxi Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals, Tesla consistently states that its current vehicles cannot drive themselves.
However, Magno expressed concern that Tesla’s social media content might lead consumers to believe they’re purchasing fully autonomous vehicles.
This apparent contradiction is noteworthy given Tesla’s explicit warnings about Autopilot usage.
The company’s website clearly states:
“Autopilot is a hands-on driver assistance system that is intended to be used only with a fully attentive driver. It does not turn a Tesla into a self-driving vehicle nor does it make a vehicle autonomous.”
Recent developments in Tesla’s driver assistance technology include the removal of the steering wheel “nag” feature from its Full Self-Driving suite, though the system still monitors driver attention through eye tracking.
The NHTSA’s scrutiny of Tesla’s technology continues, with the agency launching an investigation in mid-October covering 2.4 million Tesla vehicles. This probe focuses on four crashes involving Full Self-Driving Beta or Supervised mode in conditions with reduced visibility.
