Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Under New Federal Investigation
▼ Summary
– Tesla exceeded analysts’ sales estimates for Q3 last week but now faces another NHTSA investigation.
– The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened its third preliminary probe into Tesla this year.
– This new investigation focuses on Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” feature after reports of traffic law violations.
– NHTSA received at least 18 complaints about Teslas ignoring red lights while using FSD, including one documented by Business Insider.
– Incidents involved vehicles failing to stop at red lights, moving before lights changed, or providing no warnings to drivers.
Tesla faces a fresh federal safety investigation concerning its Full Self-Driving technology, marking the third such inquiry this year alone. This development arrives just days after the electric vehicle manufacturer surpassed market expectations for its third-quarter vehicle deliveries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation has initiated a preliminary probe following numerous reports of Tesla vehicles violating traffic laws while operating with the partially automated driving system engaged.
The agency has received multiple complaints that fall into two primary categories. At least 18 separate incidents describe Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving failing to recognize and obey red traffic signals. One of these events was documented during a test conducted by Business Insider. In several instances, the cars did not come to a stop at all, while others reportedly began moving through intersections before the traffic light turned green. A number of drivers also noted that their vehicles provided no advance warning or alert before committing these infractions.
This new investigation follows two others launched earlier in the year. In early 2025, federal regulators began examining Tesla’s remote parking features after several related crashes were reported. More recently, another probe was initiated following multiple fatalities linked to the company’s signature retractable door handles, which allegedly became inoperative after collisions.
(Source: Ars Technica)
