NHTSA Investigates Tesla Over Delayed Autopilot/FSD Crash Reporting

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Tesla for inconsistencies and delays in reporting crashes involving its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. The agency says manufacturers must report crashes involving advanced driver-assistance or automated-driving systems within five days of being notified; it alleges Tesla sometimes waited months to file reports.

Key points

• NHTSA launched an audit to determine whether required crash reports were submitted on time and whether submitted reports included all required data.
• Tesla says the delays were caused by a system error that has been fixed; NHTSA will continue its probe.
• Tesla vehicles were reported to be involved in over 2,300 ADAS-related crashes to NHTSA from 2021–2024, compared with 55 for GM in the same period.
• The agency has other open investigations into Tesla (remote parking feature, efficacy of a recent software fix) and there was a recent wrongful-death case where testimony alleged Tesla misled authorities about crash data.

Background

The NHTSA requires timely reporting so regulators can quickly assess emerging safety risks. According to reports, Tesla’s vehicles can automatically record and transmit collision data within minutes, which raises questions about why some reports were delayed. Tesla has acknowledged the reporting issue and called it a “system error” that was corrected, but NHTSA’s audit will examine whether any prior reports remain outstanding and whether submitted reports included all required and available data.

What’s next

NHTSA will complete its assessment and may take further action if it finds reporting violations or incomplete submissions. The probe adds to existing scrutiny of Tesla’s driver-assist features.

Sources

Engadget: Feds investigate Tesla over inaccurate Autopilot and FSD crash reports

Truckinginfo: NHTSA investigates Tesla

Last updated: 2025