Why do Tesla vehicles sometimes make sudden or close cuts (lane changes) near SUVs or trucks on the freeway at high speeds?
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This behavior is likely related to Tesla Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) system behavior, and it has been observed and discussed by many users. Here’s a breakdown of possible causes:
1. Autopilot/FSD Overcautious or Overaggressive Logic
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Tesla’s system may overreact to large vehicles like trucks or SUVs in adjacent lanes.
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It may "think" those vehicles are drifting too close and initiate a lane change or evasive maneuver.
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Sometimes this results in jerky or seemingly unsafe lane changes, especially at high speeds.
? 2. Camera Sensor Interpretation Errors
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Tesla relies mostly on cameras (vision-only) after phasing out radar and ultrasonic sensors.
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In certain lighting, angles, or shadows, the system may misjudge the position of nearby trucks/SUVs.
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Large boxy vehicles can cause false positives in lane departure or collision avoidance logic.
3. Blind Spot Behavior Lane Merging
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When merging or overtaking, Tesla may cut in closer than a human would in front of a truck/SUV if it calculates enough space, but without the courtesy humans usually show.
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Some drivers report that Tesla cars change lanes aggressively to avoid being "boxed in", especially around large vehicles.
4. Software Bugs or Version-Specific Behavior
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Tesla continuously updates FSD/Autopilot via over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
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Certain versions may introduce or worsen behavior like:
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Close cuts in front of large vehicles.
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Inaccurate modeling of adjacent lane behavior.
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Overcompensating for "phantom" vehicle drift.
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Close cuts in front of large vehicles.
? 5. Edge Case: Drafting or Misjudged Gaps
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Sometimes, Tesla may attempt to change lanes behind or in front of a truck to optimize flow (like in adaptive cruise or Navigate on Autopilot).
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If the truck is accelerating or decelerating slightly, this may result in the Tesla cutting in abruptly.
