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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The regulatory body stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

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

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.