On the Dash:
- NHTSA’s investigation is now classified as an engineering analysis, up from its initial 2024 review, following nine crashes linked to the system.
- Tesla’s update to address visibility issues may have prevented only three of the nine crashes, highlighting potential limitations.
- Dealers and owners should stay alert to regulatory developments as scrutiny of Full-Self Driving technology increases.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration escalated its investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system after additional crashes raised concerns about the technology’s performance in reduced-visibility conditions.
The probe, which began in 2024, was upgraded this week to an engineering analysis, a key step that could lead to a potential recall. NHTSA said in a memo that the FSD system may fail to detect and alert drivers appropriately when the vehicle’s cameras are impaired, raising potential safety risks.
The memo identified nine FSD-related crashes, more than double the four incidents initially reviewed. In these cases, NHTSA said the system failed to detect common roadway conditions that affected visibility or to provide timely alerts to the driver before collisions occurred.
Tesla told regulators that limitations in company data and labeling may have led to under-reporting of additional incidents. NHTSA said the automaker’s system update, intended to address degraded visibility conditions, may have affected only three of the nine crashes, while other incidents showed the system either failed to detect the issue or did not alert drivers in time.
The expanded probe is part of a broader regulatory review of Tesla’s driver-assistance technology. NHTSA is currently investigating approximately 3.2 million vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving, following its initial preliminary evaluation in October 2024 that covered 2.4 million vehicles.
Moreover, on Friday, NHTSA rejected a separate petition seeking a recall of about 2.26 million Tesla vehicles tied to concerns over unintended acceleration, stating it found no evidence of a safety-related defect and that vehicle data showed cars responded as intended.
The agency said only a small number of incidents were identified in that petition and noted that regenerative braking, or “one-pedal driving,” is widely used across electric vehicles and not unique to Tesla.
The probe adds to ongoing attention surrounding Tesla’s autonomous driving ambitions, including its plans for robotaxi operations. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has said the company’s ability to develop autonomous-vehicle technology will largely determine its long-term valuation.
Separately, Tesla said the Dutch regulator RDW is reviewing its submission for the FSD system, with a decision expected around April 10 that could influence broader approval across Europe.
NHTSA has multiple other active safety investigations involving Tesla vehicles, including issues with door handles and reports of vehicles running red lights while using Full-Self Driving.
