American Authorities Launch Investigation into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles Following String of Crashes

US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after numerous collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's intended actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these features are engineered to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.