September 24, 2023 7:42 am

National News

Tesla Shares Continue to Fall as US Investigates “Phantom Braking” Complaints

Credit: iStock

Mohamed Bughrara

A large number of Tesla owners sent complaints to US safety operators regarding incidents that occurred while on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 750 Tesla owner complaints after Tesla’s automated driving system stopped working in the middle of the road. 

After receiving 354 complaints, the agency began looking into phantom braking in Tesla’s Models 3 and Y last February. The investigation is expected to cover 416,000 vehicles from the model years 2021 and 2022.

The agency stated in February that it had received no reports of crashes or injuries.

The 14-page letter from the NHTSA, dated May 4, requested all consumer and field reports on false braking, as well as reports of crashes, injuries, deaths, and property damage claims. 

It also inquires whether the company’s “Full Self Driving” and automatic emergency braking systems were enabled during any incident.

The letter gives Tesla until June 20 to respond to the information request, but a request for an extension can be granted.

Shares of Tesla fell to over 9 percent last Friday.