Tesla and its claims about its self-driving developments have become the subject of a probe by the U.S. Justice Department, who are investigating whether the company misled consumers and investors, potentially involving securities or wire fraud. The agency’s preliminary inquiry is centered around potential deception in interstate communications related to Tesla’s driver-assistance systems. It is important to note that Tesla has never stated that its vehicles are capable of full autonomy, thereby allowing the driver to sleep while the car is in motion. The probe is ongoing, and at this time, there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
The investigation could lead to criminal charges, civil sanctions, or no action at all. Specific statements made by Tesla or its executives that are under investigation have not been disclosed. Furthermore, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly examining Tesla’s statements about self-driving capabilities, indicating that the company is facing multiple investigations on this matter. The Justice Department is still sorting through a large volume of documents provided by Tesla in response to subpoenas, with no clear roadmap for the current probe.
Tesla’s claims about its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite have suggested that they will eventually achieve self-driving capabilities, but the timing has been a persistent issue. The company has repeatedly indicated readiness to solve FSD by the end of each year, yet a fully autonomous driving suite remains elusive. Additionally, Tesla is set to unveil a dedicated Robotaxi platform on August 8, adding another layer to the ongoing investigations. The complexities surrounding Tesla’s FSD and the investigations are evident.
Notably, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also examining a December recall initiated by Tesla and its effectiveness in increasing safeguards to ensure driver attentiveness.