US Regulators Launch Investigation into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After Series of Collisions

US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to road safety.

Alarming Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection against the red light and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The agency reported that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using 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 fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.