Tesla Self Driving Probe Deepens

Tesla Under Scrutiny: US Regulator Probes Nearly 3 Million Cars Over Self-Driving Safety Fears

The United States government has launched a significant investigation into Tesla, the electric car manufacturer. Federal auto safety regulators are examining nearly 2.9 million vehicles following numerous reports of the company's autonomous software breaking traffic laws. Allegations include cars travelling in lanes meant for oncoming traffic and failing to obey stop signals, leading to multiple crashes and injuries. This inquiry, one of several targeting the automaker, places intense pressure on its highly touted autonomous technology. America's top road safety regulator, the NHTSA, is assessing the scope and frequency of these failures, which question the safety of the advanced driver-assistance systems on public roads. The probe casts a shadow over the company's ambitious plans for a fully autonomous future.

Regulator Scrutinises Erratic Driving Behaviour

The NHTSA's probe focuses on a feature Tesla calls "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)," or FSD. The agency's Office of Defects Investigation initiated the preliminary evaluation after receiving 58 incident reports from vehicle owners. These reports detail Tesla vehicles allegedly committing serious traffic violations while FSD was active. Despite its name, FSD is an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature, not a fully autonomous system. This classification means the driver must remain fully attentive and prepared to take control at any moment. The investigation aims to determine if the system's unexpected actions prevent the driver from being able to supervise the vehicle safely, potentially creating an unreasonable risk to safety.

Danger at the Crossroads

A primary concern for investigators is the performance of Tesla vehicles at intersections. The NHTSA has identified numerous complaints alleging that cars with FSD engaged failed to handle red lights correctly. In some cases, vehicles reportedly did not remain stopped for the duration of a red light or failed to stop completely. The agency is reviewing six crashes where a Tesla using FSD drove into an intersection against a red signal and collided with other vehicles. These specific incidents resulted in four reported injuries. Several of these crashes occurred at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, suggesting a repeatable system flaw which Tesla has reportedly implemented measures to resolve.

Veering Into Oncoming Traffic

Beyond intersection failures, the investigation is examining alarming accounts of automobiles making dangerous lane changes. The NHTSA has received multiple complaints of Teslas with FSD engaged entering lanes of opposing traffic. These incidents allegedly happened during or after turns, with some cars crossing double-yellow lines. In other instances, vehicles reportedly attempted to turn onto a road in the wrong direction, ignoring clear road signs. A significant point of concern for the safety agency is that some of these events occurred with little warning, giving the driver minimal chance to take corrective action and prevent a potential collision.

A Pattern of Probes

This latest FSD investigation is part of a broader pattern of federal scrutiny into Tesla's technology. The company faces several other ongoing probes conducted by the NHTSA. One inquiry, which began in October 2024, looks into crashes involving 2.4 million Teslas in low-visibility conditions like fog or dust. Another investigation examines the "Summon" feature, which allows a driver to move the car remotely. This function has been linked to minor collisions in car parks. Regulators are also looking into whether Tesla has been promptly reporting crashes as required by law, adding another layer of regulatory pressure on the automaker.

The Autopilot Precedent

Long before the current FSD probe, Tesla's more basic "Autopilot" system was already under the microscope. The NHTSA has been investigating Autopilot since 2021, following a string of crashes where Tesla vehicles struck parked emergency vehicles. That long-running inquiry found the driver monitoring system to be defective. It ultimately led to a massive recall of over 2 million vehicles in December 2023 to deploy a software fix intended to ensure drivers remain attentive. This history of regulatory action concerning Autopilot provides important context for the heightened scrutiny now being applied to the more advanced Full Self-Driving system.

Trapped Inside

Safety concerns are not limited to Tesla's driving software. The NHTSA is also conducting a separate investigation into the systems that control door latches on Model Y vehicles. The agency has received nine reports from owners who were unable to open their car doors, in some cases trapping children inside. These incidents often occurred when a parent stepped out to retrieve a child from the back seat. In four of these instances, the owners had to break a window to get back into the vehicle. A preliminary review suggests the electronic door locks can fail if they receive insufficient voltage from the car's low-voltage battery.

Recalls and Reluctance

Tesla has a history of addressing safety concerns through over-the-air software updates and official recalls. In February 2023, the company recalled over 362,000 vehicles equipped with FSD Beta software after regulators stated the system did not adequately adhere to traffic safety laws and could cause crashes. The NHTSA noted the software might allow a vehicle to travel through intersections in an unpredictable manner. Despite agreeing to the recall, Tesla filed a statement saying it did not concur with the agency's analysis. This highlights a recurring tension between the automaker's confidence in its technology and the regulator's mandate to ensure public safety on the roads.

The Vision of a Robotaxi Future

The string of safety investigations stands in stark contrast to the ambitious vision promoted by Elon Musk, Tesla's chief executive. Musk has consistently promised a future of fully autonomous cars and has pushed forward with plans for a "robotaxi" service. The company launched an experimental self-driving robotaxi program in Austin, Texas, in June 2025, which immediately drew the attention of federal regulators. Despite the ongoing probes, Musk has pledged to have hundreds of thousands of autonomous Teslas and robotaxis on the streets by the end of next year, putting immense pressure on the technology to prove it is safe and reliable.

The View from the Courtroom

Regulatory probes are not the only challenge facing Tesla. The company is also battling legal action on multiple fronts related to its driver-assistance systems. In a significant case in August, a Miami jury found Tesla was partly responsible for a fatal crash in 2019 that involved its Autopilot system. The jury ordered the company to pay substantial damages to the victims. Furthermore, Tesla is facing a class-action lawsuit in California from customers who claim the company misled them about the true capabilities of its Autopilot and FSD features, adding to the legal pressures connected to its automation technology.

Competition From The East

While Tesla contends with regulatory and legal issues in the US, its dominance in the global electric vehicle market is being challenged. A host of ambitious Chinese automakers, including BYD, Nio, and XPeng, are rapidly gaining ground. These companies are producing technologically advanced electric vehicles at competitive prices, eroding Tesla's market share, particularly in China. For example, BYD has now delivered more full-electric vehicles globally than Tesla for four consecutive quarters. This intensifying competition puts additional pressure on Tesla to innovate while also addressing the persistent safety questions surrounding its vehicles.

Pricing and Market Position

In response to the growing competitive threat, Tesla has made strategic adjustments to its pricing. The company lately introduced lower-priced variants for two of its best-selling automobiles, a clear attempt to stay competitive against the more affordable electric vehicles offered by its Chinese rivals. This move signals a shift in strategy for the automaker, which has historically positioned itself as a premium brand. The combination of increased competition and negative headlines from safety investigations could impact consumer confidence. Maintaining its leading position in the electric vehicle market will require Tesla to successfully navigate both commercial pressures and regulatory hurdles.

The Political Arena

The company's high-profile chief executive, Elon Musk, often finds himself at the centre of public debate, and not just about technology. Musk previously had a strong association with President Donald Trump, even serving in a temporary government role after the 2024 election. However, a disagreement that became public earlier this year marked the end of their political association. The dispute stemmed from Musk's criticism of a significant spending bill endorsed by the president, which Musk described as "insane." This very public split with a major political figure adds another dimension to the complex environment in which Tesla operates.

The "America Party"

Following his break with the former president, Elon Musk announced a new venture in July: he was creating a brand new political organization. Called the "America Party," Musk stated its purpose is to challenge the Republican and Democratic hold on American politics and give voters back their freedom. The billionaire floated the idea on his social media platform, X, and claimed strong support for the move in a poll of his followers. This foray into establishing another political movement is characteristic of Musk's willingness to disrupt established systems, a trait that defines both his business ventures and his public persona.

The Man and the Brand

Elon Musk's personality is inextricably linked with the Tesla brand. As the planet's inaugural individual with a net worth of five hundred billion dollars, his pronouncements and activities attract global attention, influencing both public perception and the company's stock value. His ambitious and often bold predictions about the future of technology, particularly concerning Full Self-Driving, are a core part of Tesla's identity. This deep connection means that scrutiny of the man himself often becomes scrutiny of the company. His ventures, from SpaceX to his new political party, all contribute to a larger-than-life public image that is one of Tesla's greatest assets and, at times, a significant source of controversy.

The Road Ahead

The extensive NHTSA investigation represents a critical juncture for Tesla. The findings could lead to a massive recall, mandate significant software changes, or result in stricter regulatory oversight for the entire autonomous driving industry. The probe crystallises the central tension in the push for self-driving cars: the conflict between rapid technological innovation and the non-negotiable need for public safety. For Tesla, the road ahead involves navigating intense regulatory examinations, fierce market competition, and legal challenges. The ultimate question is whether the company's technology can safely deliver on the revolutionary promises made by its leader.