Tesla is facing mounting pressure from US Senators following a scathing Reuters report that alleges widespread safety flaws in the company’s vehicles. The report details numerous instances where Tesla allegedly:
- Blamed customers for faulty parts, refusing to acknowledge or address manufacturing defects.
Withheld crucial safety information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), potentially delaying recalls and putting drivers at risk. - Exhibited a pattern of prioritizing profit over safety, raising concerns about the company’s corporate culture.
- These accusations come on the heels of several past recalls for Tesla vehicles, including one in 2020 for faulty brakes and another in 2022 for a software glitch that could cause sudden unintended acceleration.
In response to the Reuters report, a group of bipartisan Senators, including Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ed Markey (D-MA), have called for a formal investigation into Tesla’s safety practices and a potential recall of affected vehicles.
“These allegations are deeply troubling and raise serious concerns about Tesla’s commitment to the safety of its drivers and passengers,” Senator Blumenthal said in a statement. “We urge the NHTSA to investigate these matters thoroughly and take swift action to protect the American public.”
Tesla has vehemently denied the accusations, calling the Reuters report “false and misleading.” The company has also defended its safety record, pointing to its low accident rates compared to other automakers.
“We are confident in the safety of our vehicles and our commitment to providing a safe driving experience for our customers,” a Tesla spokesperson said in a statement. “We will continue to cooperate with the NHTSA and any other regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of our products.”
However, the Senators remain unconvinced and are demanding concrete action from Tesla and the NHTSA. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Tesla’s future, as well as for the broader electric vehicle industry.