US authorities seek data from 12 automakers in Tesla Autopilot probe

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested driver-assist data from 12 automakers for an expanded investigation into crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot. Automotive News reports.

The defect-investigations unit sent letters to automakers such as Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen asking them to provide information about their Level 2 driver-assist systems, in which the car can steer, accelerate and brake simultaneously under certain conditions.

Manufacturers are asked to state the number of US-made vehicles with this system, the total miles driven with Autopilot engaged, and a list of the latest changes or updates. NHTSA has requested operating and failure reports of the driver-assist software, as well as data on customer complaints and lawsuits related to Level 2 systems.

U.S. automakers such as Ford, GM and Stellantis must provide the information by November 3. Other companies, including Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Honda — by November 17. Automakers that fail to respond to regulators’ requests could be fined up to $115 million.

A Toyota spokesperson said the company would comply with the NHTSA request. VW declined to comment, while the press offices of other automakers did not respond to journalists’ inquiries.

Earlier in August, NHTSA began an official investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot following a series of crashes, in which one person was killed and at least 17 more were injured.

The case covers roughly 765,000 company vehicles manufactured from 2014 to 2021.

At the start of September, the agency ordered Tesla to provide detailed information about how the driver-assistance system works by October 22, 2021. Otherwise, the company faces fines of up to $150 million.

NHTSA Ford letter by ahawkins8223

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