Son Ji-Chang Tesla Model X suddenly accelerates, injuring passenger

Occurred: September 2016

Tesla was sued after one of its cars allegedly suddenly accelerated, resulting in injury to the passenger and to the driver's house.

Korean celebrity Son Ji-chang said we would sue Tesla after his parked Model X electric SUV suddenly accelerated, causing it to crash through his garage into his living room, injuring him and his passenger. The lawsuit alleged product liability, negligence, and breaches of warranty.

Reuters reported that Tesla responded that the data from from the car and other evidence 'conclusively shows that the crash was the result of Mr. Son pressing the accelerator pedal all the way to 100%'. Tesla also argued that the actor was using his celebrity to damage Tesla. 

➕ In January 2021, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ended a year-long review of claims that over 246 Tesla vehicles had accelerated without warning by concluding that there was insufficient evidence that Tesla might be to blame to warrant a full investigation.

Operator: Son Ji-chang
Developer: Tesla
Country: USA
Sector: Automotive
Purpose: Automate steering, acceleration, braking
Technology: Driver assistance system
Issue: Safety; Accuracy/reliability; Legal - Liability
Transparency: Black box

Page info
Type: Incident
Published: January 2021
Last updated: January 2022