At the request of consumers, the NHTSA has begun to investigate a possible Tesla Model X unintended acceleration problem.

Sudden Unintended Acceleration Tesla Overview

According to consumers, some Tesla models possess a defect that causes them to accelerate when not intended by the driver. This defect allegedly affects a range of Tesla models including 2012-2019 Tesla Model S, 2016-2019 Tesla Model X, and 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3. Customers say that these vehicles can accelerate to speeds that are far higher than that of the surrounding cars, which poses a safety risk. Over 500,000 vehicles in total are alleged to be at risk for the problem.

In response to the problem, consumers filed a petition asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to review the issue and recall “all Model S, Model X and Model 3 vehicles produced from 2013 to the present” to protect customers from both financial and physical injury that could be caused by the problem.

Reuters reports that drivers say that there have already been crashes linked to this unintended acceleration. Allegedly, some of these incidents were reported to the NHTSA in the from of complaints.

The sudden acceleration problem manifests in a range of scenarios, say the customers. Sometimes, the vehicles reportedly accelerate while the driver is in traffic. Other times, it has occurred while the driver was trying to park. In other instances, the acceleration allegedly occurred when drivers used the driver assistance programs.

What Is Tesla?

Founded in 2003, Telsa is a maker of electric vehicles and clean energy vehicles based in Palo Alto, California. The company initially launched into the electric car market with high-end sedans, and has since been exploring more affordable vehicles. 

The company states that its mission is to show that driving an electric vehicle does not have to be a compromise for drivers who want to enjoy driving and value having a powerful car.

Since the launch of their vehicles, Tesla has expanded its business into products related to the production and storage of clean energy.

What Is the Tesla Model X?

The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV, which Tesla dubbed “one of the safest SUVs ever.” The company touts its low probability of occupant design. The vehicle seats up to seven adults, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Its “falcon wing” door design reportedly lets the vehicle open in tight spaces. 

It comes with autopilot features that Tesla says combine safety and convenience. The vehicle’s specs highlight its capacity to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds.

What Is Causing Sudden Unintended Acceleration?

Tesla advertises both the safety and the quality design of its cars, so the possible unintended acceleration problem may worry many drivers who relied on the company’s promises.

Consumer Reports explains that at this point, there is not enough information to accurately judge the safety of the vehicles. However, Consumer Reports does advise Tesla owners to carefully observe their vehicles for evidence of the issue. 

Experts at Consumer Reports did not indicate what was causing the possible problem, but speculated that it could be caused by a software problem, or an issue with the equipment itself.

Tesla, however, has defended itself by saying that the problem does not exist at all. The Tesla website stated that the petition for the alleged acceleration issue was created by an investor who would profit from the fall of Tesla’s stock prices. The company asserts that this petition is not motivated by safety or truth, but by an effort to make money.

Tesla address the alleged technical roots of the problem by saying that the unintended acceleration is not possible because Tesla’s vehicles all come with three safety features that prevent unintended acceleration from occurring.

Consumer Reports provides one example of these safety features, noting that the vehicles are designed so that it is possible to override the accelerator with the brake. If the accelerator were to malfunction, the driver could press the brake pedal at the same time to stop the vehicle, says the company.

Other companies have been accused of their vehicles possessing similar problems — Toyota faced these allegations around ten years ago. These problems then did inspire the NHTSA to propose requiring vehicle manufacturers to to implement technology that would “override the throttle” if the vehicle’s driver slammed their foot on the brake. However, the administration reportedly decided to not go forward with the plan because companies had implemented similar systems independently, similar to Tesla’s safety measures. 

Should You File a Tesla Model X Unintended Acceleration Lawsuit?

If you have experienced the possible unintended acceleration problem with your Tesla, filing a Tesla Model X unintended acceleration lawsuit may be an option for you. This can help you gain compensation for purchasing a possibly defective vehicle, or can compensate you if you were injured in an accident that you believe was related to the alleged unintended acceleration issue.

Filing a lawsuit over a defective product is one way that consumers can stand up to companies and protect future consumers from financial and physical injury.

Join a Tesla Unintended Acceleration Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you experienced sudden unintended acceleration in your Tesla Model S, Model 3, and/or Model X delivered before Dec. 1, 2015, you may be eligible to join a Tesla sudden unintended acceleration class action lawsuit investigation.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.