[treesprite82]

Something that just flies an aircraft straight and level is still an autopilot, so I don't think it's a totally inaccurate metaphor.

Ironically in these situations a more understated name would probably work better for PR. Headline of "Tesla on cruise control rear ends motorcycle on freeway, killing rider" gives a much stronger impression of it being the driver's fault.

[moralestapia]

You bring up a valid argument but, unfortunately, it cuts both ways.

Aircraft manufacturers are liable when their vehicles crash due to malfunction.

[josephcsible]

If the pilot turns on autopilot and then stops paying attention, and then the plane crashes, it's absolutely not the manufacturer's fault.

[treesprite82]

For convenience features advertised as requiring active driver supervision and not making the vehicle autonomous, I think it only really makes sense for the driver to be liable.

Similarly, if some airplane instrument is stated to require regular calibration to stay within acceptable error limits, I don't think the manufacturer would be liable if the instrument starts to drift when those calibrations are not carried out. Or if some crash-contributing decision is made based on assuming a higher accuracy than promised.

[influxmoment]

Aircraft manufacturers are not responsible for an autopilot crash

[arealaccount]

“Straight and level” in a car is cruise control. The expectation for autopilot would be much higher.