Tesla Faces Criminal Investigation From US Authorities Over Self-Driving Claims

While Elon Musk is occupied with his recent Twitter buyout, another problem could be brewing for the Tesla chief. 

According to The Guardian, insider sources have revealed the automaker is under criminal investigation by United States authorities over its self-driving claims. 

This isn’t the first time Tesla has come under the microscope, with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) launching an investigation into the company last year, after its autopilot ended up in several crashes with emergency vehicles. 

Coincidentally, just last week, Musk said that the firm would soon release an “upgraded” version of its self-driving software, which would enable drivers to travel to work, a friend’s house, or the grocery store “without [you] touching the wheel.” 

Despite such claims, Tesla has always kept a warning on its site that drivers are required to keep their hands on the wheel while on Autopilot, resulting in some contradictory messaging. 

The sources explained that the latest investigation will look into the possibility of the automaker having misled customers with its unsubstantiated claims, and could potentially end in criminal charges or civil sanctions.

As per Bloomberg, apart from the DOJ, the Securities and Exchange Commission is also looking into Autopilot, though the department declined to comment on the ongoing probe. 

[via The Guardian and Bloomberg, cover image via Petr Zamecnik | Dreamstime.com]