Tesla Autopilot Slammed in European Safety Review

A new safety review is bad news for Tesla, as concerns grow about the luxury vehicle’s driver-assist function.

Tesla autopilot got low marks in a recent European safety assessment, ranking six out of the 10 driver assistance systems evaluated. Tesla’s system was slammed in particular for what reviewers said was its inability to keep drivers focused.

The European New Car Assessment Program ranked driver assistance systems in 10 vehicles, including the Tesla Model 3, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q8, Volkswagen Passat, and Ford Kuga. Reviews were based on a number of factors, from assistance competence to safety backup. 

“The results of this round of tests demonstrate that driving assistance is fast becoming better and more readily available, but until driver monitoring is significantly improved, the driver needs to remain responsible at all times,” Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, said in a statement announcing the test results.

U.S. regulators have investigated at least 15 crashes involving Tesla vehicles engaged in autopilot in the last four years, according to Automotive News. 

An Apple engineer killed in a crash in 2018 had previously complained about autopilot malfunctioning on the same stretch of road where the accident occurred, federal investigators said. Records also showed that the man may have been distracted and using his cell phone while autopilot was engaged, according to the Associated Press.

An investigation into a separate deadly crash in Florida reportedly showed that the Tesla Model 3 engaged in autopilot at the time did not slow or take other evasive action as it barreled toward a semi-truck at 70 miles an hour. 

Legal Rights for California Car Owners

The trouble with Tesla’s autopilot mode is just one example of the wide variety of defects that can make cars dangerous for everyone on the road.

For car owners in California, the state’s lemon law offers some important rights and protections. It requires car manufacturers to repair vehicles while they are under warranty and to buy back or replace those vehicles that the company is unwilling or unable to fix.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before these obligations kick in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney.

How a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney Can Assist With Your Case

If you have been stuck with a defective vehicle or are in a dispute with your car’s manufacturer over repairs, it is vital to have an experienced lawyer by your side.

Los Angeles lemon law attorney Brian Bickel and his team at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. Our lawyers work aggressively to assist our clients and ensure that car manufacturers are held responsible.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.