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In recent years, Tesla, the electric car manufacturer led by Elon Musk, has faced growing scrutiny over the safety of its vehicles. A comprehensive investigation by journalists Sönke Iwersen and Michael Verfürden, based on leaked documents known as the Tesla Files, has brought to light disturbing incidents and unanswered questions about the company’s autopilot system and design choices. These revelations have raised serious concerns about whether Tesla’s technology is ready for public use.
One tragic example is the case of Stefan Meier, a German man who lost his life in 2018 while driving a Tesla Model S on a highway near Lake Constance. Travelling at approximately 100 kilometers per hour, his car suddenly veered out of control, collided with a guardrail, flipped multiple times, and caught fire. Rescuers were unable to open the doors due to the car’s retractable handles—a design feature personally pushed by Musk despite objections from engineers. Stefan’s wife, Rita, has been seeking answers ever since, but Tesla has offered little clarity. Similarly, other families, such as that of Oliver Schuster, have struggled to get explanations after losing loved ones in mysterious Tesla accidents, often being told that no data is available.
The Tesla Files document over 2,400 complaints of sudden acceleration and 1,500 reports of braking failures between 2015 and 2022, linked to more than 1,000 crashes. Drivers have described terrifying experiences, such as their cars stopping unexpectedly on busy highways or accelerating without warning, sometimes with children on board. Critics argue that Tesla’s autopilot system, marketed as a cutting-edge self-driving feature, often disengages at critical moments, leaving drivers with no time to respond.
Adding to the concern is Tesla’s approach to data transparency. Despite collecting extensive information from its vehicles, the company frequently withholds key crash details from families and investigators. In several instances, fatal accidents have been labeled as ‘resolved’ internally, with no further explanation provided. This secrecy has fueled anger and eroded trust in the company.
While Elon Musk presents Tesla as a leader in autonomous driving, many question whether drivers are unknowingly acting as test subjects for unproven technology on public roads. The growing number of incidents suggests that safety may be taking a backseat to innovation, prompting calls for stricter regulations to protect the public.