X

Tesla faces NHTSA investigation over unintended acceleration complaints

The government agency has received 127 consumer complaints about the Model S, Model X and Model 3.

Tesla Alaska Testing Facility
Enlarge Image
Tesla Alaska Testing Facility

All three Tesla models are included in the investigation.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

faces a new investigation as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that it will probe the automaker's cars. Concerns surround unintended acceleration instances in the Model S, Model X and Model 3.

In documents filed Jan. 13, the NHTSA said it received a defect petition on Dec. 19 of last year, which requested the agency open an investigation into the the Tesla electric cars . The newly installed probe covers 2012-2019 Model S, 2016-2019 Model X and 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. Consumer complaints allege the Tesla vehicles suddenly accelerated without intention, whether it was due to a malfunction or driver error.

The NHTSA cites 127 complaints that include 123 unique vehicles. Of the complaints, 110 mention crashes, and 52 mention injuries due to the alleged acceleration issue.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The matter now rests in the Officer of Defects Investigation.

So far, there's been no public evidence to show a vehicle malfunction was the cause in any of the incidents. Tesla's own investigation into the complaints found user error (for example, pressing the wrong pedal) was the cause of a sudden acceleration.

Tesla Model S Long Range takes us back to the future

See all photos
Watch this: Watch the Tesla Model 3 ace European crash tests
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on January 17, 2020 at 7:38 AM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.