Tesla faces another US investigation: Unexpected braking

By TOM KRISHER
AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. auto safety regulators have launched another investigation of Tesla, this time tied to complaints that its cars can stop on roads for no apparent reason. The government says it has 354 complaints from owners during the past nine months about “phantom braking” in Tesla’s Models 3 and Y. The probe covers an estimated 416,000 vehicles from the 2021 and 2022 model years. No crashes or injuries were reported. The cars and SUVs have partially automated driver-assist features that allow them to automatically brake and steer in their lanes. Government documents posted Thursday say the vehicles can unexpectedly brake at highway speeds.