Tesla Fined Due to a Term in Driver Assistance Evaluations, Potentially Costing Them More Than Just Points | Carscoops

      The Tesla Model S's Autopilot system excels in collision avoidance, yet Euro NCAP reduced its score for several reasons.

      On June 4, 2025, Euro NCAP announced the Assisted Driving test results for nine different models from several car manufacturers. The Tesla Model S, Volvo EX30, and MG ZS received “Moderate” ratings in their evaluations, while the Porsche Macan, Toyota bZ4X, Kia EV3, and Renault 5 achieved “Very Good” safety ratings.

      While drivers may appreciate the idea of hands-free and stress-free driving, not all advanced driver assistance systems are equal. Tesla has traditionally promoted its vehicles as technologically advanced and ready for autonomy, but new findings from Euro NCAP reveal a contrasting reality, particularly regarding the system's communication with drivers.

      For example, the Model S scored only 30% in Assistance Competence, a category where cheaper and smaller electric vehicles outperformed it. In contrast, the Kia EV3 received 74% and the Renault 5 obtained 73%. These two models are notably less expensive and make fewer claims about automation.

      Euro NCAP's Assisted Driving Grading program assesses how safely and responsibly automakers implement partially automated features, focusing on two main areas: Assistance Competence, which evaluates how well the system communicates with the driver, and Safety Backup, which measures the car’s response to safety interventions like collision avoidance.

      In the latest tests, both the Tesla Model S and the Volvo EX30 were rated “Moderate,” a disappointing outcome for brands that emphasize safety and technology in their marketing efforts.

      Tesla’s Communication Issues

      Tesla's latest Autopilot system in the Model S achieved a strong 94% score in Safety Backup, but its low Assistance Competence score negatively affected the overall rating. Euro NCAP pointed out that the "Autopilot" branding and marketing can mislead consumers about the system's true capabilities, causing drivers to overestimate its level of autonomy.

      “Tesla is misleading consumers regarding their Autopilot system’s capabilities merely through its name and marketing, which could have serious safety implications,” stated the organization. “A well-designed system should work collaboratively with the driver, provide adequate information about the level of assistance, and ultimately ensure crash avoidance in critical situations; failing to do so may increase risks.”

      Another concern raised by the testers is that the Model S's steering input resists attempts by the driver to override it; when they do try, the system disengages completely.

      “The name ‘Autopilot’ associated with Tesla’s system, along with its promotional content, implies complete automation, which Euro NCAP views as inappropriate and has led to a lower score,” said Euro NCAP. “Additionally, compared to the Porsche, it is resistant to drivers overriding it, and when they attempt, the system automatically turns off, which undermines its efficacy.”

      Regarding the Pilot Assist system on the Volvo EX30, it achieved scores of 72% for Safety Backup and 62% for Assistance Competence. The low scores were primarily due to the need for drivers to divert their attention from the road to check system alerts on the center-mounted touchscreen. Moreover, the driving assistance systems did not disengage even after repeated hands-off warnings.

      The other vehicles tested exhibited varied results. The MG ZS was also rated “Moderate,” while the Mazda CX-80 and Chinese XPeng G9 performed better with “Good” ratings.

      Positive Results

      Four models received “Very Good” ratings. The Porsche Macan, utilizing its InnoDrive system with Active Lane Keeping, scored 92% for Safety Backup and 85% for Assistance Competence, the best in this round. Euro NCAP commended the clarity of its status displays and the transparency of its promotional materials.

      Other well-performing models with straightforward systems included the revamped Toyota bZ4X crossover and the Kia EV3 small SUV. The Active Driver Assist package of the Renault 5 electric supermini also impressed Euro NCAP’s testers, who noted it as an example of how assisted driving systems can perform effectively in more affordable vehicles.

      Adriano Palao, ADAS Technical Manager at Euro NCAP, remarked: “The safe operation of Assisted Driving systems relies on consumers clearly understanding their responsibilities as drivers, knowing how to operate the system, and recognizing its limitations...A well-designed system works in conjunction with the driver, transparently conveys the level of assistance, and ultimately ensures crash avoidance in critical scenarios; otherwise, it may introduce further risks.”

      Below are the scores of all nine models that took part in this testing phase.

      EURO NCAP ASSISTED DRIVING 2025 TEST RATINGS