NHTSA Opens Probe into Tesla Full Self-Driving Affecting ~2.88 Million Vehicles

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into roughly 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The agency said it has received more than 50 reports alleging traffic-safety violations and multiple crashes that may be linked to FSD behavior.

Key points

• Approximately 2.88 million Tesla vehicles are included in the probe.
• The NHTSA reports more than 50 complaints and several crashes; six reports allege a Tesla with FSD engaged ran red lights and subsequently crashed in intersections.
• The probe begins as a preliminary evaluation; the NHTSA could expand the investigation or order a recall if risks to public safety are found.

Context

This investigation is the latest in a series of NHTSA reviews of Tesla driver-assistance and remote features, including earlier probes into Smart Summon and door-handle designs. Tesla publishes vehicle safety reports asserting that accidents per million miles are lower when FSD is engaged, and the company has argued that some FSD crash data should remain confidential.

Official sources and further reading:

• NHTSA Press Releases & Investigations
• Engadget: NHTSA launches probe into Tesla’s ‘full self-driving’ tech

What this means

If the preliminary evaluation finds sufficient risk, the NHTSA could request or order a recall and require Tesla to push software updates or other corrective actions. The investigation will examine whether FSD software induced vehicle behavior that violated traffic laws and endangered road users.

Questions or comments? Share your thoughts below — should regulators require FSD systems to be disabled until proven safe?