NHTSA complaint #11767489

Owner complaint summary

While driving on a highway with Full Self-Driving engaged, I approached an exit and applied steering input to take control. I expected the system to disengage and the Cybertruck to follow my steering input. The vehicle did not respond in the manner I expected and left the paved roadway, entering a grass field. To my knowledge, it did not strike another vehicle, guardrail, tree, or structure. The airbags nevertheless deployed, and a collision event was indicated. I cannot determine from my observations what triggered the restraint system or whether contact with the ground or another condition played a role. After the vehicle came to rest, it lost power to the extent that it would not operate normally and I could not access parts of it by the usual means. Tesla personnel attempted to supply external power but could not restore normal operation. They ultimately had to force access to the trunk to retrieve belongings. The disabled vehicle was towed to Tesla’s Mechanicsburg Service Center and then to Sun Motors Collision Center. I notified Tesla and requested an explanation specific to this incident. Tesla has provided me with vehicle data through its privacy process. Unfortunately, Tesla stated most of the data was unavailable without explanation, such as video recordings and event data. In correspondence through September 17, Tesla referred to general driver responsibility and collision-related warranty coverage, but I have not received a technical explanation that resolves the steering behavior, the airbag deployment, or the power loss. I have followed up with Tesla multiple times. Their final response is "We don't comment on causes." They refuse to provide any other information or support the warranty. I do not know whether a vehicle system malfunction caused or contributed to the roadway departure or whether the later events were consequences of the departure.