Vehicle Electronics

Human ADS

Safety issues related to vehicle computing hardware and software have significantly increased in number in the past two decades. A significant number of recalls are now related to vehicle computers, and software "fixes" abound, even for mechanical defects.  Over-the-air (OTA) updates can revolutionize recall completion rates, but pose serious safety risks when updates are not validated to ensure safety, and cybersecurity concerns remain on the horizon for all connected vehicles. Find out more about the Center's actions on vehicle electronics below.

Vehicle Electronics in the News

Why Teslas keep catching on fire

Why Teslas keep catching on fire

January 27, 2023
“Batteries are hopefully going to be getting better over time,” said Michael Brooks, from the Center for Auto Safety. New...
Lucid’s High-End EV Is Drawing Safety Complaints. Another Problem for the Stock?

Lucid’s High-End EV Is Drawing Safety Complaints. Another Problem for the Stock?

November 18, 2022
“If you’re broken down on the interstate where you don’t have room to pull over and get out of traffic,...
Jury: Tesla just 1% to blame for teen driver’s fiery crash

Jury: Tesla just 1% to blame for teen driver’s fiery crash

July 21, 2022
Michael Brooks, at the Center for Auto Safety, said other lawsuits are pending against Tesla involving the vehicle’s autopilot and...
Drivers complain of ‘phantom braking’ on some newer model vehicles, NHTSA investigating

Drivers complain of ‘phantom braking’ on some newer model vehicles, NHTSA investigating

May 26, 2022
"AEB is all over the place. We're seeing different results. Some don't work great at high speeds and don't work...
Feds investigate Newport Beach Tesla crash that killed three

Feds investigate Newport Beach Tesla crash that killed three

May 20, 2022
The Center for Auto Safety says the technology's rollout may have been premature. By CBS Los Angeles May 23, 2022...

V2V & Wireless Communications

3G shutdown coming at cost to car safety features

February 28, 2022
Michael Brooks from The Center for Auto Safety said the impact to safety features is a big concern. “I think...
Tesla braking issues spur second U.S. probe related to Autopilot

Tesla braking issues spur second U.S. probe related to Autopilot

February 22, 2022
“While it’s encouraging to see NHTSA’s recent enforcement actions after years of turning the other way, Tesla continues to release...
3G shutdown means many Georgia drivers lose car safety features this month

3G shutdown means many Georgia drivers lose car safety features this month

February 10, 2022
Michael Brooks with the Center for Auto Safety said impacted drivers should be frustrated because features like SOS buttons and...

Software Updates and Recalls

Elon Musk Wants a Washington<br>Agency to Embrace the Digital Age

Elon Musk Wants a Washington<br>Agency to Embrace the Digital Age

October 26, 2022
By Keith LaingOctober 26, 2022
With recall response rates stuck in the roughly 70% range, Michael Brooks, executive director of...
Tesla’s recalls keep piling up. No one’s sure what happens next.

Tesla’s recalls keep piling up. No one’s sure what happens next.

February 11, 2022
While NHTSA is upping its scrutiny of Tesla’s releases, the company continues to “play a little fast and loose” with...