NHTSA Launches Sweeping Investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving System
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a significant inquiry into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, affecting millions of vehicles. This investigation follows concerns from U.S. senators regarding the system's behavior, particularly at railway crossings, and a documented series of incidents involving traffic violations. Regulators are scrutinizing FSD's propensity to disregard red lights and execute hazardous lane maneuvers, issues that have unfortunately resulted in collisions and injuries. This broad examination aims to evaluate the overall safety performance of FSD across a wide range of Tesla models, prompting an important discussion about the evolving challenges and responsibilities associated with advanced autonomous driving systems.
The catalyst for this expansive investigation was a direct appeal from two U.S. senators, who urged federal regulators to specifically assess the risks associated with Tesla's FSD system when cars approach railroad crossings. In response, on October 7, 2025, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) officially announced its probe, extending its scope beyond railway crossing concerns to include two other particularly problematic FSD behaviors identified through numerous reported incidents.
A primary focus of the ODI's investigation is FSD vehicles' tendency to run red lights. There have been 18 confirmed complaints detailing instances where FSD-enabled Teslas either proceeded through red lights, halted briefly before accelerating again prematurely, or misidentified traffic signal states on their in-car displays. These malfunctions have not been without consequence, leading to six reported crashes, with four resulting in injuries to occupants. Notably, multiple incidents were recorded at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, a location for which Tesla has reportedly implemented a specific fix.
The second major area of concern involves FSD's unsafe lane-changing capabilities. The ODI has received 18 complaints describing situations where FSD-equipped Teslas veered into opposing lanes of traffic, either during or immediately after a turn. This includes instances of crossing double-yellow lines or attempting to turn onto roads in the incorrect direction. Drivers involved in these incidents often reported insufficient time to intervene and correct the system's errors, highlighting the potential for critical safety risks.
The investigation is not limited to these specific scenarios; it will also consider any other traffic safety violations that come to light. The initial concerns about FSD's performance at railroad crossings, where some vehicles reportedly ignored warning signs or required urgent human intervention, remain a significant aspect of the inquiry. The potential for catastrophic outcomes in such situations underscores the gravity of these issues. The sweeping nature of this investigation means that nearly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles could be affected, encompassing Model S (2016-2025), Model X (2016-2025), Model 3 (2017-2026), Model Y (2020-2026), and the Cybertruck (2023-2026).
While Tesla recently rolled out Version 14.1 of its FSD (Supervised) software, which introduced several safety enhancements like improved responsiveness to unprotected turns, vehicle cut-ins, and better detection of road debris, these updates do not directly address all the specific complaints central to this investigation. The ongoing probes underscore the critical need for continuous assessment and improvement of autonomous driving systems to ensure public safety.
These governmental inquiries into Tesla's FSD system, though frequent, serve as essential mechanisms for ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies. While many FSD users report positive experiences, the investigations are rooted in real-world incidents and potential traffic violations that demand serious regulatory attention. Tesla's reliance on a camera-only system presents both advantages and disadvantages; while it allows FSD to operate in more diverse driving situations, it also makes the system more susceptible to errors compared to vehicles equipped with additional sensors like radar or LiDAR. Consequently, drivers utilizing FSD must maintain constant alertness, even if the system has historically performed without fault in their personal vehicles.