Lawsuit: Tesla Cybertruck Tried to Drive Itself Off Overpass

Driver seeks over $1M, alleges Autopilot malfunction and negligence

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A Houston resident has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, claiming that her Cybertruck on Autopilot mode tried to steer itself off a Houston overpass in August 2025, leading to a crash that left her with multiple injuries. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla misrepresented its "Full Self-Driving" system and failed to adopt safety features like LiDAR sensors used by competitors.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and capabilities of Tesla's autonomous driving technologies, especially as the company continues to market its vehicles as having "Full Self-Driving" capabilities. The case also raises questions about Tesla's decision to rely solely on camera-based systems over more robust sensor suites like LiDAR.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Justine Saint Amour was driving on the 69 Eastex Freeway in Houston with Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" mode engaged when the Cybertruck suddenly veered toward a concrete barrier at a Y-shaped split in the road, instead of following the curve. Saint Amour says she had to cut off the system and try to regain control, but still slammed into the barrier, leaving her with multiple injuries. Dashcam footage reviewed by the Houston Chronicle shows the Cybertruck navigating the ramp, beginning to take the curve, then plowing into the sidewall and spinning out.

  • In August 2025, the incident occurred on the 69 Eastex Freeway in Houston.

The players

Justine Saint Amour

A Houston resident who filed the lawsuit against Tesla after her Cybertruck on Autopilot mode crashed into a barrier, leaving her with multiple injuries.

Tesla

The electric vehicle manufacturer that is being sued over the alleged Autopilot malfunction and negligence in the Cybertruck crash.

Elon Musk

The CEO of Tesla, who is described in the lawsuit as "an aggressive and irresponsible salesman" who overstates what his products can do.

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What they’re saying

“Tesla's choices made the crash "inevitable" and argued the company is selling drivers on the belief their vehicles can safely drive themselves "and that it can do so safely. It can't, and it doesn't.”

— Bob Hilliard, Saint Amour's attorney (Austin American-Statesman)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing safety concerns surrounding Tesla's autonomous driving technologies, especially as the company continues to market its vehicles as having "Full Self-Driving" capabilities despite relying solely on camera-based systems over more robust sensor suites like LiDAR used by competitors.