US Regulators Initiate Probe into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles After Series of Crashes

American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

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

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.