Tesla's Autopilot Creates A 'False Sense Of Security,' Says Consumer Reports

Auto drivers aren't simply ready to handle autonomous driving features, according to Consumer Reports.

The firm singled out Tesla Motors Inc TSLA and its autopilot feature that has been linked to several crashes, one of which resulted in the death of a Model S owner.

Consumer Reports joins other safety advocate groups in questioning if autonomous driving features is trustworthy enough for auto drivers. In other words, it's questioning if Tesla made a "dangerously premature assumption" that its autopilot feature was "capable of truly diving on its own."

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Tesla's position regarding its autopilot feature has been consistent since the beginning. The company can't stress enough that the driver, and not an automated system, is "still responsible for, and ultimately in control of, the car."

Nevertheless, Tesla's position remains confusing according to Consumer Reports. Specifically, Tesla's autopilot system is designed to "drive itself" but the driver needs to fully pay attention to take over the controls at a moment's notice.

"Many automakers are introducing this type of semi-autonomous technology into their vehicles at a rapid pace, but Tesla has been uniquely aggressive in its deployment," Consumer Reports argued. "It is the only manufacturer that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for significant periods of time, and the fatal crash has brought the potential risks into sharp relief."

Consumer Reports' Laura MacCleery argued that Tesla's autopilot feature offers users a "false sense of security" and that perhaps consumers are being "sold a pile of promises" regarding safety with an "unproven technology."

Finally, Consumer Reports is suggesting Tesla immediately stop referring to its system as "autopilot" and disable the autosteer feature. The company should also issue clearer guidance on the features limitations and no longer release safety features that are still in beta mode.