The federal government’s top auto safety agency is significantly expanding research on Tesla and its Autopilot driver assistance system to determine if the technology poses a security risk.
The agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Thursday that it was updating its Preliminary Autopilot assessment to an engineering analysis, a more intensive level of scrutiny that is required before a withdrawal can be ordered.
The analysis will examine whether autopilot prevents drivers from diverting their attention from the road and engaging in other predictable and risky behaviors while using the system.
NHTSA said it had not determined whether the autopilot has defects that could cause cars to crash while it is running.
The largest survey covers 830,000 vehicles sold in the United States. They include the four Tesla cars (Models S, X, 3 and Y) from the model years 2014 to 2021.
The agency’s preliminary assessment focused on 11 incidents in which Tesla cars operating under the control of the autopilot crashed into emergency vehicles that were parked and had their lights flashing. In that review, the NHTSA said Thursday, the agency was aware of 191 accidents, not limited to those involving emergency vehicles, that warranted a more detailed investigation.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the agency’s move.
This is a developing story. Check for updates.