> At a Glance
> – Four family members died when their Tesla Model X crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a semi-truck
> – Their families allege the Autosteer feature failed to keep the car centered in its lane
> – Lawsuit claims Tesla misrepresented Autopilot capabilities
> > Why it matters: The case highlights growing scrutiny over Tesla’s driver-assistance technology and marketing claims
A Utah family is suing Tesla after four relatives, including an 11-year-old girl, died when their Model X veered into the path of a semi-truck on an Idaho highway. The lawsuit alleges the car’s Autosteer system failed to perform as advertised.
The Fatal Crash
On Sept. 1, 2023, Jennifer Lynn Blaine, 46, was driving her Tesla Model X eastbound on Idaho State Highway 33 with her daughters Emily, 22, and Denali, 11, plus Emily’s husband Zachary Leavitt, 24. The vehicle crossed the yellow center line at a gentle curve and collided head-on with a Kenworth truck carrying 90,000 lbs. of grain.
All four passengers, along with the family dog, died at the scene. They had been en route to meet Jennifer’s husband Nathan and son Bronco for a backpacking trip in the Tetons.
The Lawsuit
Family members filed the 27-page complaint in December 2023 in a Utah District Court. The suit alleges Tesla intentionally misrepresented the safety and autonomy of its Autopilot and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) technology.
Key allegations include:
- Autosteer feature failed to keep the vehicle centered in its lane
- Tesla’s marketing created a “false sense of security” about autonomous capabilities
- The Blaines paid extra for “Full Self Driving” after believing Tesla’s safety claims
- Company knew of alleged defects but failed to warn customers
The complaint states:
> “TESLA falsely and misleadingly promoted the functionality, safety, and autonomy of Autopilot and other ADAS technology as alleged herein.”
What Tesla Promised vs. What Happened
The Blaines purchased the Model X in 2021 after Tesla advertised Autopilot as making driving “safer and less stressful.” The complaint notes Jennifer and Nathan were exposed to Tesla’s long-term campaign claiming its vehicles could essentially drive themselves.
| Feature | Tesla’s Claim | Alleged Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Autosteer | Intelligently keeps Model X in lane | Failed to prevent lane departure |
| Lane Departure Warning | Alerts driver if drifting | System allegedly defective |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Helps maintain proper lane position | Failed to activate |
Legal Action
The suit was filed by Nathan Blaine and his three surviving sons, along with Douglas and Tracey Leavitt, Zachary’s parents. They seek damages for:
- Wrongful death
- Strict products liability
- Negligent products liability
The families request a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.
Key Takeaways
- A Tesla Model X crossed into oncoming traffic, killing all four occupants
- The lawsuit claims Tesla’s Autosteer and lane-assist systems failed
- Families allege Tesla misled consumers about Autopilot capabilities
- The complaint seeks to hold Tesla accountable for alleged design defects
The case adds to mounting legal pressure on Tesla as more crashes involve vehicles operating with driver-assistance features engaged.
