Tesla is under scrutiny by federal prosecutors in the US to determine if the company intentionally misled investors and consumers about the capabilities of its self-driving technology.
The investigation is being led by the Department of Justice (DOJ), and focuses on whether Tesla engaged in securities or wire fraud through potentially deceptive communications about the Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems.
While Tesla has long promoted these technologies as advancements toward fully autonomous driving, the systems remain Level 2 driver-assist features, requiring human oversight.
The investigation, first reported by Reuters, was prompted by numerous incidents, including several fatal crashes involving Tesla vehicles operating with Autopilot engaged. These incidents have raised questions about whether the company’s promotional strategies have contributed to a false sense of security among consumers.
Federal prosecutors are reportedly reviewing Tesla’s public statements and internal communications to determine if there was a deliberate effort to mislead. This includes looking closely at claims made by CEO Elon Musk, who has been vocally optimistic about the imminent realization of fully autonomous vehicles for nearly a decade.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also involved in the investigation, with the agency looking into the accuracy of Tesla’s statements to investors regarding the capabilities and safety of its driver-assistance systems.
