NHTSA Complaint #11704960 — 2024 TESLA MODEL Y

While exiting a parking area, the vehicle’s Autopilot/driver-assist system engaged during a tight right-hand turn. At the time of the maneuver, my hands were not actively controlling the steering wheel, as the system appeared to be managing the turn. The vehicle failed to properly account for curb proximity and steered too close to the curb, resulting in the wheel striking the curb and causing visible rim damage. The system did not provide adequate warning or disengage in time to prevent the curb impact. This raises safety concerns regarding Autopilot behavior during low-speed, tight turning scenarios such as parking lot exits, where precise steering control is critical. I contacted Tesla to request that they review vehicle logs to determine whether this was a system error. Tesla did not adequately address the issue or take responsibility for reviewing or acknowledging a potential defect in the automated driving system. This incident presents a broader safety concern, as similar behavior could result in more serious damage or injury in different circumstances (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, or roadside objects). I am reporting this to NHTSA so the agency can evaluate whether Tesla’s automated driving technology performs safely in tight-turn, low-speed environments. I request that NHTSA review this issue as a potential defect in Tesla’s automated driving or driver-assist systems.