US Authorities Launch Investigation into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following Series of Collisions

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

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a recall of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling against the wrong way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the car was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not make the car self-driving.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.