Tesla's autopilot accused of causing 17 fatalities, 736 crashes, far more than previously reported

Tesla's autopilot feature is being accused of being responsible for 17 fatalities and more than 700 crashes, far more than previously reported. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last June released a partial report showing that Teslas accounted for three deaths linked to the vehicle's autopilot technology. Federal data reviewed by The Washington Post on Saturday reveals that Tesla's autopilot was actually responsible for 17 deaths and 736 crashes. 

Tesla made up most of the 807 automated-related vehicle crashes, but Tesla's Model X, S, 3 and Y, all of which include some form of autopilot, were in the top ten best-selling electric vehicles for 2022, per technology outlet Eletrek. 

The fatal crashes reveal patterns, per the Post's analysis. For example, four involved a motorcycle and in another, an emergency vehicle was involved. 

Highway Safety Administration spokeswoman Veronica Morales said her agency "has an active investigation into Tesla Autopilot, including Full-Self Driving" and that "all advanced driver assistance systems require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times."

Neither Tesla nor CEO Elon Musk have not commented on the matter.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.