NHTSA Complaint #11540539 — 2023 TESLA MODEL Y

Concern: The "Autopilot" system in my 2023 Tesla Model Y AWD LR has shown diminished performance, particularly in adaptive cruise control, compared to the 2018 Model 3 RWD Long Range. Account: I aim to notify NHTSA about a concerning "Autopilot" behavior in my 2023 Model Y AWD LR. I am comparing this to the performance of my previous 2018 Model 3 RWD Long Range, driven under similar conditions. Incidents: Near Accidents: During commutes, my Model Y AWD LR frequently doesn't slow timely. In some cases, I've had to override Autopilot and brake abruptly to avoid collisions by risking letting the car either fail to brake fully or slam on the brakes so hard. The car's sudden deceleration at the last moment is concerning as it is not only a dangerous scenario for myself and my occupants, but also other drivers behind me, who might also crash. Conditions: These instances took place during daylight with a spotless vehicle, ensuring no camera obstructions. Settings: I set the distance threshold between levels 4 and 5 and ensured the speed was no more than 10 mph above the speed limit. Lane Keeping: The lane-keeping function is efficient. However, adaptive cruise control's reliability is questionable. Sensor Absence: The 2023 Model Y lacks radar and USS (ultrasonic sensors). This could be affecting the performance drop I've noticed. Accidents: Due to these issues, I've narrowly missed three accidents just this week alone, endangering my safety and others. Conclusion & Request: While Autopilot should enhance safety, my experience with the 2023 Model Y AWD LR suggests otherwise. This unexpected performance dip, especially with supposed hardware upgrades, is alarming. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue swiftly. Given the popularity of this model, many drivers could be at risk.