The investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has gained significant attention from federal regulators. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it is looking into approximately 2.88 million vehicles equipped with the FSD assistance feature. This inquiry results from numerous safety complaints involving the FSD system.
Overview of the NHTSA Investigation
The NHTSA’s investigation includes 58 reports detailing traffic safety issues attributed to Tesla vehicles using FSD. Notably, these reports comprise 14 crashes and 23 injuries linked to these incidents.
Nature of the Traffic Violations
- FSD-equipped Teslas have been reported running red lights.
- Instances of vehicles driving against traffic during lane changes have also been documented.
- Specific complaints include failure to stop completely at red lights and inaccuracies in displaying traffic signal statuses.
Among the 58 reports, 18 concerns involve Tesla vehicles that engaged FSD yet did not stop for the required duration at red lights. Furthermore, there are six cases where vehicles continued into intersections against red signals, resulting in crashes with other cars.
Driver Feedback and System Limitations
According to a driver in Houston, the FSD system often “does not recognize traffic signals.” This malfunction has resulted in vehicles proceeding through red lights and stopping at green ones. This concern raises questions about the reliability of FSD’s performance, especially at critical traffic moments.
Focus on Railroad Crossings
The NHTSA’s investigation will also examine Tesla vehicles’ performance at railroad crossings while FSD is engaged. Tesla requires drivers to remain attentive and ready to intervene when necessary. However, the NHTSA indicates that FSD’s operation can lead to behaviors that breach traffic safety regulations.
Potential Recall Implications
This investigation could pave the way for a potential recall of Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. This is not the first inquiry; a prior investigation was launched by the NHTSA in October 2024, focusing on FSD performance under reduced visibility conditions after four reported crashes, including one that resulted in a fatality.
Additionally, the NHTSA has scrutinized Tesla following reports of robotaxis violating traffic laws in Austin, Texas. As the case unfolds, the implications for Tesla’s FSD system and overall safety compliance may have far-reaching effects on the company’s operations and consumer trust.
