NHTSA Complaint #11718825 — 2023 TESLA MODEL Y

I was driving with the car in Autopilot in the center lane of the highway. I could see a white vehicle move close on my right, and I confirmed that it had crossed over into my lane with both its front and back left wheels on my Tesla screen with a quick glance. I then tried to maneuver to the left lane (which my screen showed was clear) but the steering wheel had significant tension. All of a sudden, I heard the chime signaling that Autopilot disengaged, the car jerked hard, and my car was headed toward the median. I swerved quickly to the right and hydroplaned. As I straightened out, my vehicle hit a vehicle in the right hand lane. The strong tension followed by jerk and quick release of tension prevented me from having full control of my vehicle. I believe that if Autopilot had not been engaged, I could have safely moved into the left lane with control. The police arrived but I was very shaken up and simply said I swerved to avoid a car in my lane but in retrospect wish that I had gone into detail. I’d also like to note that I have a clean driving record, was not in a hurry, did not have loud music on, had both hands on the wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock, and was focused on the road.