The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation into nearly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles that use the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. This comes after reports of multiple safety issues, including cars running red lights and driving the wrong way during lane changes. So far, there have been over 50 reports of traffic violations and several crashes linked to the system.
FSD is an advanced assistance feature that still requires drivers to stay alert and ready to take control. However, the safety agency says it has evidence that the system sometimes causes cars to break traffic laws. Among the complaints, there are 14 crashes and 23 injuries being reviewed by officials.
One concerning detail is that at least six incidents involved Teslas driving through red traffic signals and crashing with other vehicles. Out of those, four crashes caused injuries. The NHTSA investigation is at an early stage but could lead to a recall if the system is found to pose serious risks.
Tesla recently rolled out a software update for FSD amid the growing scrutiny. A driver from Houston reported to NHTSA that the system failed to recognize traffic lights correctly, causing the vehicle to pass through red lights and stop at green ones. The driver also mentioned Tesla’s reluctance to address the issue, despite seeing the problem firsthand during a test drive.
NHTSA is also looking into how FSD handles railroad crossings. This follows concerns raised by U.S. Senators about near-miss accidents involving Tesla vehicles at these crossings. The agency has been monitoring Tesla’s driver assistance features for some time, with previous investigations into crashes under low visibility and other automated functions like remote car movement.
Tesla describes FSD as a system that allows for minimal driver intervention while actively supervising the road. Still, experts warn that systems blurring the line between driver assistance and full automation require close checks. Oliver Carsten, a transport safety professor, said this investigation should serve as a caution for regulators worldwide.
In addition to this inquiry, NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s use of self-driving robotaxis in Austin, Texas, and a feature that lets drivers move cars remotely, which has been linked to crashes earlier this year. Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock saw a slight drop as news of the investigation spread.
With these developments, the spotlight remains on Tesla and its ambitious push into automated driving technology, as safety agencies weigh the risks and benefits in the coming months.