Tesla frequently made headlines because of its brake problems, and now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially announced that it is investigating 416,000 Tesla cars, because there have been previous reports that some cars suddenly brake automatically, which is called "ghost brakes". Tesla has made 10 recalls since last October, some of which were under pressure from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla's stock on nasdaq closed at $876.35 on Thursday, down $47.04, or 5.1 percent.
1, Tesla was very arrogant at first
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a filing filing Wednesday that in the past nine months, the agency has received 354 complaints about brake problems with Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cars in 2021-2022 and will conduct a preliminary investigation into the "ghost brake" problems that occur in these cars.
It is reported that many Tesla owners have complained about the phenomenon known as "ghost brakes", that is, rapid deceleration when driving on the highway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the problem is related to autopilot functionality, which allows automatic braking and steering within the lane. "The car accidentally slammed on the brakes while driving at high speed," the report said. Complainants report that, without any warning, rapid deceleration can occur randomly and often repeatedly over a single driving cycle. ”
Owners also said they had raised concerns with Tesla. However, Tesla arrogantly refuted the complaints, saying its brakes were normal.
In August, after a series of accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a formal investigation into some of Tesla's autopilot systems. The Washington Post also reported Thursday that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 250 complaints in the past two weeks after a Washington Post investigation showed a sharp increase in the phenomenon of "ghost brakes."
2. It also faces scrutiny from other regulatory agencies
In addition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 's (NHTSA) investigation, Tesla is also facing scrutiny from other regulators. For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk shelled the U.S. market regulator for "relentless investigation." On Thursday (Feb. 17), Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk accused the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of harassing them with "endless" and "relentless" investigations to punish Musk for outspoken criticism of the U.S. government.
The allegations were made in a letter to Manhattan U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan. Alex Spiro, Musk and Tesla's lawyer, wrote, "Musk and Tesla respectfully seek to get back on track, enough, really fed up." However, the SEC declined to comment.
Outside analysts said Thursday's letter intensified Musk's struggle with U.S. market regulators. Currently, the regulator is reviewing Musk's posts on social media and Tesla's treatment of employees, including allegations of discrimination. Previously, Tesla disclosed on February 7 that it had received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange to comply with the settlement agreement reached in 2018.
In August 2018, the SEC sued Musk after tweeting that he had "secured funding" to potentially privatize his electric car company at $420 a share. In fact, the transaction is not yet complete. Eventually, Tesla and Musk reached a settlement, with the two sides agreeing to pay a $20 million civil fine each and asking Tesla's lawyers to review some of Musk's communications in advance, including tweets that could affect Tesla's stock price, because Musk also gave up his chairmanship at Tesla.
3, "This is another problem with Tesla"
In response to Tesla's investigation, Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the U.S. Governor's Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety agencies, said on Twitter, "This is another problem for Tesla, and it's great to see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more aggressively controlling the company." ”
In November alone, Tesla recalled nearly 12,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. since 2017 because a communication error could have led to a false forward collision warning or accidental activation of emergency brakes.