Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Faces Federal Probe Over Safety Violations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Officials began the probe after receiving multiple reports suggesting that the software caused vehicles to run red lights or drift into incorrect lanes. According to the agency, over 50 such reports have been documented, with four resulting in injuries. This is among the first investigations focused solely on FSD, following earlier reviews into Tesla’s driver-assistance systems.
In October 2024, the agency examined FSD after reports of crashes under poor visibility. Although a previous investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system was closed in April 2024, it identified 13 fatal crashes linked to improper use. Meanwhile, another review regarding Tesla’s corrective measures for Autopilot remains ongoing.
Notably, the latest probe coincides with the rollout of a new FSD version that incorporates training data from Tesla’s ongoing robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. CEO Elon Musk has spent months promoting this update, describing it as a major leap toward full autonomy.
Reports of Red-Light and Lane Violations
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) stated that it received at least 18 consumer complaints and one media report alleging FSD’s failure to stop at or remain stopped at red lights. Furthermore, six reports submitted by Tesla under the agency’s Standing General Order for Crash Reporting (SGO) supported these claims.
Officials are working with Maryland’s Transportation Authority and State Police to determine whether the issue is repeatable. Interestingly, several incidents occurred at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, prompting Tesla to take corrective measures there.
ODI also identified multiple cases in which FSD allegedly guided vehicles into oncoming lanes or attempted turns against visible wrong-way signs. In total, investigators found 18 complaints, two media reports, and two SGO filings describing lane-departure and directional errors.
The agency noted six additional complaints and several reports involving Teslas that drove straight through intersections from turn lanes or made turns from lanes intended for through traffic. “Some of the reported incidents appeared to involve FSD executing a lane change into an opposing lane of travel with little notice to a driver or opportunity to intervene,” ODI wrote.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
The agency has officially opened what it calls a “Preliminary Evaluation,” marking the first formal step toward a potential recall. Normally, such investigations conclude within eight months, although ongoing government budget constraints could slow progress.
Earlier this year, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency reportedly implemented significant reductions to NHTSA’s vehicle automation safety staff, potentially affecting the pace of this review. Nonetheless, the investigation underscores growing federal scrutiny of advanced driver-assistance technologies, particularly as they edge closer to full automation.
