Tesla is facing scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department over its statements regarding self-driving technology, with the agency opening a probe to determine if the company misled consumers and investors, potentially violating securities or wire fraud laws.
According to a Reuters exclusive report, investigators are particularly interested in whether Tesla committed wire fraud by misleading consumers about the capabilities of its driver-assistance systems.
While Tesla has never claimed its vehicles are fully autonomous, the Justice Department is focusing on statements related to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite. The probe, which is in its early stages, could lead to criminal charges, civil sanctions, or no action at all.
Specific statements from Tesla or its executives that are under investigation have not been disclosed.
This is not the only investigation targeting Tesla’s self-driving claims. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also reportedly looking into the company’s statements regarding its self-driving technology.
Tesla’s FSD suite has been the subject of much anticipation, with the company suggesting it will eventually achieve full autonomy. However, Tesla has repeatedly missed its self-imposed deadlines for achieving this goal.
The company is set to unveil a dedicated Robotaxi platform on August 8, adding another layer of complexity to its self-driving efforts.
The Justice Department’s investigation is ongoing, with officials reviewing a large volume of documents provided by Tesla in response to subpoenas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also investigating a December recall by Tesla, seeking to understand the changes made to increase driver attentiveness.
