Kyle Shanahan says Tesla Autopilot caused Prius crash

Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, revealed on Monday that his Tesla was operating on Autopilot when he rear-ended a Toyota Prius outside Palo Alto four weeks ago.

Shanahan had previously apologized for the crash, calling it his fault, but only now confirmed the vehicle’s driver-assistance system was engaged. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the March 3 incident occurred near El Camino Real and Charleston Road, but no injuries were reported. Tesla’s Autopilot system has faced scrutiny over its name and limitations, with regulators investigating multiple crashes involving the feature.

During his weekly press conference, Shanahan explained that he had engaged Autopilot as the car slowed for traffic ahead. He said he was looking down at his phone when he realized he wasn’t braking in time. “I had Autopilot on, I wasn’t paying attention, I wasn’t aware,” he said, adding that he took full responsibility. The Prius sustained minor damage, while Shanahan’s Tesla Model S received a crumpled rear bumper. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.

The admission highlights ongoing concerns about Tesla’s marketing and use of the term “Autopilot,” which implies more capability than the system actually delivers. Critics argue the name misleads drivers into overestimating the technology’s safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened at least 42 investigations into Tesla crashes involving Autopilot since 2016, including fatal ones. Shanahan’s case adds another high-profile example to the debate. Tesla has long maintained that Autopilot requires driver supervision, but the company’s branding and the lack of a more accurate term continue to spark controversy. Shanahan’s statement may fuel further scrutiny of how Tesla communicates the limits of its driver-assistance tools.