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American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration 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 stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.