NHTSA - Autopilot Phantom Breaking
Case Summary
Subject: Unexpected Brake Activation
NHTSA Investigation: PE 22-002
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Products: 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 & Y
Population: 416,000 (Estimated)
Problem Description: Unexpected activation of braking system may cause rapid deceleration
Summary: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 354 complaints alleging unexpected brake activation in 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Received over the past nine months, the reports have often been characterized as “phantom braking” by consumers. Tesla describes the subject vehicles as equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features referred to as Autopilot which Tesla states will allow the vehicle to brake and steer automatically within its lanes.
The complaints allege that while utilizing the ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, the vehicle unexpectedly applies its brakes while driving at highway speeds. Complainants report that the rapid deceleration can occur without warning, at random, and often repeatedly in a single drive cycle.