American Regulators Begin Inquiry into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following String of Collisions

US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads against the red light and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The authority reported that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the car autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.