The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the automaker’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software following reports of four crashes, one of which was fatal. The probe will assess whether the software poses a safety risk, especially under reduced visibility conditions like fog, sun glare, or airborne dust.
Among the incidents being examined is a crash where a Tesla vehicle, with FSD activated, fatally struck a pedestrian. Another crash in similar conditions resulted in injuries. The investigation covers several Tesla models, including the 2016-2024 Model S and X, the 2017-2024 Model 3, the 2020-2024 Model Y, and the recently introduced 2023-2024 Cybertruck.
Tesla's FSD software, which the company emphasizes requires active driver supervision and does not make vehicles fully autonomous, is designed to assist with driving tasks. The NHTSA’s evaluation will focus on whether the FSD system can detect and respond effectively to low-visibility situations. The agency is also investigating if Tesla has made any updates or modifications to the FSD system that might influence its performance under these conditions and assessing the safety impact of any such changes.
If the NHTSA determines that Tesla’s vehicles pose an unreasonable safety risk, it could potentially lead to a recall.
This investigation adds to the growing scrutiny of Tesla’s self-driving technology, which has faced several legal and safety challenges, including previous fatal accidents involving the system. In one notable case in April, a Tesla Model S in FSD mode killed a motorcyclist in Seattle, intensifying concerns over the software’s reliability in critical situations.
Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving relies solely on camera technology, without the use of additional sensors like radar or lidar, which competitors in the robotaxi industry often employ for enhanced detection. Some experts have pointed out that relying solely on cameras could compromise the vehicle's performance in poor weather or low-visibility conditions.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has been promoting the company's shift towards self-driving technology, including the recently unveiled "Cybercab" robotaxi, which features no steering wheel or pedals. However, Tesla would need regulatory approval from the NHTSA to deploy such a vehicle.
Tesla has yet to comment on the ongoing investigation. The company’s shares dipped by 0.5% following the announcement of the probe. Last December, Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles in the U.S. to install new safety measures in its Autopilot system, though the NHTSA is still reviewing whether the recall sufficiently addressed safety concerns.
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