The Highway Safety research body in the United States conducted a comprehensive assessment of autopilot systems across nine manufacturers. Of the fourteen models tested, eleven earned the lowest overall score, while none achieved the highest rating. The results were summarized in the organization’s press briefing and reflect ongoing concerns about vehicle automation in the consumer market.
The participating brands included BMW, Ford, General Motors, Genesis, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla, and Volvo. Among them, Lexus’ Teammate system — offered exclusively in the LS sedan — received an “acceptable” rating but faced pointed critique. Other models, such as the GMC Sierra and Nissan Ariya, trended toward lower scores, with several additional self-driving configurations receiving suboptimal evaluations.
Industry experts highlighted a central shortcoming: weak driver monitoring control. When the interior camera is turned off or the driver removes hands from the wheel, the system may fail to respond with appropriate safety actions.
Additional drawbacks noted include unevenly timed warnings for driver distraction and a limited capability to initiate emergency procedures if the driver does not react to an alarm. The IIHS guidance indicates that, in a scenario where the driver remains unresponsive for about 35 seconds, the system should automatically brake and notify emergency services, prompting a rapid safety response.
In parallel discussions about road readiness and vehicle maintenance, automotive professionals have emphasized that routine checks of a car’s chassis, suspension, and tire condition are essential when a vehicle shows signs of instability on the road. This includes situations such as vibrations at speed, unusual tire wear, or knocking sounds from the suspension, which can signal underlying mechanical issues that compromise overall safety and performance.
Recent industry updates also reflect the broader trend toward integrating autonomous driving technology with robust safety protocols. While such systems promise heightened convenience and potential reductions in human error, the current generation still depends heavily on human vigilance and reliable system design. The evolving narrative makes clear that ongoing testing, transparent reporting, and consumer education are critical to the responsible adoption of automated driving features. As stakeholders across the sector continue to refine sensor fusion, decision logic, and fail-safe mechanisms, the emphasis remains on delivering predictable, understandable behavior for drivers and passengers alike. The overarching goal is to align automated capabilities with real-world driving demands while preserving clear pathways for disengagement and manual control when necessary. (Source: IIHS research briefing)