Tesla’s exceptional performance in independent crash tests has been queried by an American hacker who claims to have discovered a number of unusual additions to the software code installed in Tesla cars. Green, a US-based software expert with a reputation for unearthing hidden code installed by Tesla, has discovered that the brand has recently added new code that specifically involves global testing agencies including EuroNCAP and ANCAP. 

While there is no suggestion of foul play on Tesla’s part, ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) is investigating the revelation following the Model Y’s five-star performance in its recent crash test. The organisation told American car channel Drive, that it was “Aware of the claims made on Twitter and looking into it.”

Green confirmed that the new software code affected “non-visible settings on the autopilot side.” but was unable to discover what elements of the car’s performance were altered by the code. Green suggested that it possibly could be “to better conform to the test criteria.” but offered no evidence that Tesla had done anything wrong by having the code.  

The discovery of unusual code relating to testing agencies has been the source of problems for car manufacturers in the past. In 2015, Volkswagen was discovered to have a form of cheat code installed in certain diesel models that modified the engine management systems of affected vehicles when they were under test conditions. The resulting scandal cost Volkswagen more than 33 billion euros in compensation, fines and recalls. 

The Model Y achieved a near perfect score in EuroNCAP tests earlier this month, recording the highest figures the independent agency has ever recorded. A German-built example scored 98 percent in the Safety Assist category, and a 97 percent result in Adult Occupant Protection. The Model 3 also has a five-star EuroNCAP rating.

Tesla software expert and hacker Green discovered unusual code additions ahead of independent crash tests