Tesla Robotaxi Involved in First Minor Collision Incident
Tesla’s autonomous driving program has hit a new milestone its first recorded accident. The incident occurred earlier this week in Austin, Texas, where a Tesla robotaxi lightly collided with a parked Toyota Camry outside Home Slice Pizza. While no major injuries were reported, the event has sparked renewed scrutiny of the company’s self-driving technology.
The vehicle, a Tesla Model Y, had just completed a routine drop-off. After the passenger exited, the car attempted to leave a narrow alleyway. Although it paused momentarily, the robotaxi suddenly veered left and clipped the Toyota, grazing its right tire. The entire event was captured and shared by YouTube creator DirtyTesla.
“I think the safety operator stopped it just in time,” said DirtyTesla. The short distance between the two vehicles prevented serious damage, though the odd behavior raised concerns.
Notably, it’s still unclear why the vehicle made such an unexpected move. However, the glitch adds to a growing list of reports suggesting Tesla’s autonomous systems may require further refinement before full deployment.
NHTSA Monitoring Robotaxi Performance Amid Broader Concerns
This incident follows multiple recent cases that have placed Tesla’s robotaxi program under the spotlight. For example, a separate video showed a robotaxi veering into the wrong lane and continuing on the incorrect side of the road. Another showed it braking hard after passing a police car.
Due to these repeated lapses, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla’s rollout. According to Bloomberg, the agency has already contacted the company regarding robotaxi footage showing apparent traffic law violations.
“Following an assessment of those reports and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety,” the agency told Bloomberg.
Although regulators have yet to make formal rulings, they are actively gathering data. This increased scrutiny comes just as Tesla ramps up its plans for wider robotaxi deployment.
Business Pressures Add to the Scrutiny
Beyond safety issues, Tesla is also facing financial headwinds. Earlier this week, the company revealed a 14% drop in vehicle deliveries compared to the same period last year. In Q2 2025, Tesla delivered 384,122 vehicles, down from 443,956 in Q2 2024.
Meanwhile, growing protests linked to DOGE-related vandalism, along with mounting competition from Chinese EV giants like BYD, have added to Tesla’s mounting challenges.
As pressure builds, the success of Tesla’s robotaxi division may prove critical. However, incidents like the Austin collision highlight that the road to full autonomy may still be bumpier than anticipated.
