Investigation Overview

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into over 2.8 million Tesla vehicles that have the Full Self‑Driving (FSD) system activated. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation is examining 58 traffic‑safety incidents linked to FSD, which include 14 crashes and 23 injuries.

Key concerns involve vehicles failing to stop at red lights, traveling the wrong way down streets, and ignoring railroad‑crossing warnings. In several cases, a Tesla with FSD did not remain stopped at a red light, entered the opposite lane during or after a turn, or attempted to turn onto a road against wrong‑way signage.

This investigation follows earlier scrutiny of Tesla’s driver‑assist features, where NHTSA previously concluded that the technologies do not sufficiently keep drivers focused, contributing to fatal crashes. The current probe also revisits the agency’s review of Tesla’s reporting practices for FSD and Autopilot crashes.

While the investigation proceeds, Tesla is actively seeking permission from local regulators to expand its robotaxi service, which currently operates with safety monitors in San Francisco and Austin. The outcome of the NHTSA inquiry could impact the company’s broader autonomous‑vehicle ambitions.

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