The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after receiving reports that the system caused vehicles to run red lights and enter the wrong lanes.
According to the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), more than 50 such incidents have been reported, including four that resulted in injuries. The investigation marks one of the first major probes specifically targeting Tesla’s FSD driver assistance system.
The probe comes the same week Tesla rolled out the latest version of its FSD software, which CEO Elon Musk has promoted for months. This update reportedly incorporates new training data collected from Tesla’s ongoing robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas.
ODI said it received at least 18 complaints and one media report alleging that the software failed to stop or remain stopped at red lights. Additionally, it identified six crash reports from Tesla under the federal agency’s Standing General Order for Crash Reporting, which requires automakers to submit data on incidents involving autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.
Investigators are also reviewing reports that FSD caused cars to cross double-yellow lines, enter oncoming traffic, or attempt to turn onto roads in the wrong direction despite visible “wrong way” signs. Some incidents occurred repeatedly at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, prompting Tesla to take corrective action.
The agency also discovered six complaints, one media report, and four crash reports in which Teslas drove straight through intersections from turn lanes or turned from through lanes while FSD was engaged. In some cases, drivers said the system made abrupt lane changes into opposing traffic with little time to react.
The NHTSA has opened what’s known as a “Preliminary Evaluation,” the first step that could eventually lead to a recall if safety defects are confirmed. While such investigations typically conclude within eight months, it’s unclear if the ongoing federal government shutdown will delay the process.
If this article helped you, please consider supporting our work. Every small contribution keeps Abijita.com independent and running.
Earlier this year, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency reportedly reduced NHTSA’s vehicle automation safety staff, raising further questions about the agency’s ability to oversee rapidly evolving autonomous driving technologies.
