Self-Driving and Autopilot Failures

Self-driving Tesla cars have an autopilot feature that enables semi-autonomous driving. However, this feature has been at the center of numerous controversies due to some past accidents.

In 2016, a Tesla driver died after crashing while the autopilot was engaged. And in March 2019, a Tesla Model 3 driver died when their car crashed into a semi-truck while using autopilot. In response, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called on Tesla to create more safeguards to monitor the drivers activities.

Despite Tesla’s safety guidelines, self-driving car accidents have proven that drivers must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The NTSB investigations will provide more insight into whether the technology is safer than human drivers.

Seat Belt Alert Recalls

In 2022, Tesla recalled more than 800,000 vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2022 because of a faulty seat belt alarm. When the affected cars are turned on, the chime may not sound, leaving drivers unaware if their seatbelts are correctly fastened.

Airbag Malfunctions

Tesla’s airbags are designed to prevent severe injuries during a crash. However, reports show malfunctioning airbags have caused alarm among owners. The 2021-2023 Model X cars have flaws that unintentionally cause passenger-side airbags to inflate. This puts drivers and passengers at risk. Tesla promises to investigate and address this critical issue to reassure affected customers.

"Rolling Stop" Beta Feature Recall

The Tesla rolling stop autopilot feature helps drivers make safe and efficient stops at intersections. However, this feature has been deemed unsafe and called for removal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To take responsibility for their product, Tesla has recalled around 54,000 vehicles with Full Self-Driving (Beta) software and replaced it with an updated version that doesn’t have the rolling stop feature.

These recalls emphasize the importance of automotive product safety and accountability, particularly with the advances in electric cars and autonomous driving technology. Tesla’s dedication to addressing concerns exemplifies the ongoing efforts to ensure consumer safety across the industry.

Roof Problems

Tesla’s Model X and Model Y cars have recently been plagued with many issues, including some concerning roofs. Loose bolts and trim that were not painted properly caused separation over time. This can lead to unsafe situations, such as water leaks into the vehicle’s interior.

The affected models include:

• 2021-2022 Model S;
• 2021-2022 Model X;
• 2020-2022 Model Y;
• 2017-2022 Model 3.

Tesla has been looking into these issues and released a fix in December 2020. However, some customers are still affected by these problems and have requested repairs from Tesla.

Rear Camera and Trunk Flaws

If you’re into groundbreaking tech and industry-overhauling features, then Tesla cars are where it’s at. But unfortunately, some Model S and Model X owners have recently reported issues concerning their rearview camera and trunk systems. Drivers have experienced unhelpful camera blackouts or freezes while backing out of spots, which can become a safety hazard.

The issues might relate to the car’s software and hardware interfaces, but Tesla is already addressing these problems. They’ve released software updates and hardware improvements that have fixed some bugs. However, some drivers still encounter issues, so the company is conducting investigations to solve them.

Potential Damages Resulting from Tesla Defects and Recalls

There have been reports of incidents caused by Tesla defects that have resulted in safety concerns and potential financial damages. In some cases, drivers may even be entitled to pursue a car accident lawsuit if a defective Tesla product causes it. Here are some potential injuries from a defective Tesla car:

Property Damage

When a car loses function due to a Tesla defect, this could cause property damage. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the property can range from minor scratches and dents to major collisions and fires. The costs of repairing or replacing damaged property can be high, resulting in financial losses for Tesla owners.

Personal Injury

Drivers of defective Tesla vehicles can pursue personal injury damages. Airbag failures, faulty wiring, and Autopilot malfunctions can all result in serious injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, and brain damage. These injuries may require additional medical attention and care, leading to costly medical bills for the victims.

Wrongful Death

Tesla owners must be aware of their vehicles’ potential risks and damages. Faulty brakes, steering systems, and Autopilot malfunctions can cause fatal accidents, resulting in legal action against Tesla for negligence or product liability. In extreme cases, hiring a wrongful death attorney may be necessary to pursue compensation for the victim’s family.

These are just some potential damages from Tesla’s defects and recalls. Tesla owners must be aware of their vehicles’ risks and understand the best course of action to take if they suffer from any of the issues mentioned above.

Examples of Legal Action Taken Against Tesla

Several types of legal action have been taken against Tesla due to safety defects and other issues. These include Tesla class-action lawsuits, criminal charges for fraud or deceptive advertising, and class-action lawsuits involving multiple victims of the same problem.

Here are a few notable examples of legal action taken against Tesla:

• In a Tesla racism lawsuit in 2017, a former Tesla employee filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination. The suit was eventually settled in 2023, and the plaintiff was awarded $3.2 million in damages.
• The firm was accused of inadequate treatment for injured workers and the illegal termination of a senior official for reporting unsafe work conditions.
• Safety concerns have emerged due to Tesla cars’ suspension and “whompy wheel” problems resulting in accidents and a class-action lawsuit.
• A Tesla vehicle owner has also filed a complaint alleging the company “fraudulently concealed its engineering failures” regarding its full self-driving software.

These legal battles highlight the need for increased accountability and transparency in the workplace and in developing and marketing advanced technologies within Tesla.

Hiring a Tesla Recall Injury Lawyer

Our team of self-driving car accident lawyers is experienced and successful in defective products, personal injury, and product liability law.

We will work with you and your family to navigate the legal system to build the best case possible for your tesla recall lawsuit.

TorHoerman Law offers free, no-obligation case evaluations for all potential clients.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t charge our clients until they earn compensation for their damages.

Contact a personal injury lawyer at TorHoerman Law today to learn more.

Tesla Recall Lawsuit - Do I Qualify for Legal Action?

You may be eligible for legal action if you have been injured, lost property, or experienced financial losses due to a Tesla defect. You must contact a personal injury lawyer or product liability attorney for the best legal options.

They can review the details of your case and determine if it meets the criteria for legal action. The legal expert should be able to provide advice on how to file a lawsuit against Tesla and what evidence, witnesses, and documents may be necessary to prove liability in court.

Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact a qualified lawyer today to start your path toward compensation and justice.