Federal regulators are investigating Tesla’s self-driving feature after numerous incidents of cars running red lights and driving incorrectly, resulting in crashes and injuries.
US begins investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system following 58 reported incidents where vehicles using the technology ran red lights, drove on the wrong side of the road, crashed, caused fires, and resulted in 23 injuries. This probe covers approximately 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD, including versions labeled as “FSD (Supervised)” and “FSD (Beta)”.[1][2][3]
Scope and Details of the Investigation
- The investigation examines whether Tesla’s FSD software provides drivers with adequate warnings about unexpected vehicle behavior, focusing on the system’s ability to detect and respond to traffic signals, lane markings, and wrong-way signs.
- Many Tesla drivers reported receiving no alerts before the vehicles committed traffic violations or crashes.
- The investigation evaluates if drivers have sufficient time to react and safely oversee the automated driving tasks.[3][4][5]
Background and Previous Probes
- Tesla’s FSD system is a Level 2 driver-assistance technology, requiring drivers to stay fully attentive and ready to take control at all times.
- NHTSA has been investigating Tesla’s driver-assistance systems for years due to multiple crashes, including a fatal 2024 motorcycle crash in Seattle involving FSD.
- Earlier inquiries covered Tesla’s summon feature and crashes in fog and low visibility affecting 2.4 million vehicles.
- There are ongoing concerns about Tesla’s crash reporting compliance to federal regulations.[6][7][1]
Legal and Market Impact
- In August 2025, a Miami jury found Tesla partially liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving Autopilot technology, distinct from FSD, ordering Tesla to pay $243 million in damages. Tesla plans to appeal this verdict.[2][8]
- Analysts and investors criticize Tesla’s reliance on cameras alone for FSD, urging the addition of radar hardware to improve safety.
- Tesla recently released an upgraded FSD version, incorporating data from its pilot robotaxi program, but the system still requires active driver supervision.[9][5][10]
Tesla’s Business Challenges
- Tesla’s vehicle sales face pressures from boycotts due to CEO Elon Musk’s political stances and stiff competition from cheaper, high-quality Chinese EV makers like BYD.
- Tesla announced cheaper, stripped-down versions of existing models, including the Model Y, to maintain competitiveness, but investor reception was lukewarm, reflected in stock price declines.[4][1]
The latest NHTSA probe into nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles intensifies scrutiny on the safety and reliability of the Full Self-Driving system amid rising complaints and crashes. While Tesla emphasizes that FSD is supervised and not fully autonomous, regulators, investors, and safety advocates question its readiness and transparency. Tesla’s legal challenges, market pressures, and this expanding federal investigation collectively highlight significant hurdles for Elon Musk’s vision of fully driverless Tesla vehicles.[5][7][8][11][1][2]
