The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the automaker’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software following reports of four crashes, including one fatal incident.
The crashes occurred under conditions of low road visibility, such as sunlight, fog, or dust, while Tesla’s FSD system was engaged. One of the accidents tragically resulted in a pedestrian’s death, while another crash caused an injury, according to the NHTSA.
Tesla Models Under Investigation
The investigation covers a wide range of Tesla models, including:
- 2016-2024 Tesla Model S and Model X
- 2017-2024 Model 3
- 2020-2024 Model Y
- 2023-2024 Tesla Cybertruck
The inquiry is in its preliminary stages, but it marks a critical step toward determining whether these vehicles could potentially pose a safety risk, which may result in a vehicle recall.
Full Self-Driving Software and Tesla’s Response
Tesla’s website emphasizes that its FSD software requires active driver supervision and does not make the vehicle fully autonomous. However, the NHTSA is specifically reviewing the system’s ability to detect and respond to low-visibility conditions, raising concerns about the FSD’s reliability in adverse environments.
The NHTSA is also examining whether Tesla has made any updates or modifications to its FSD system to improve its performance under such conditions. The agency is seeking to understand the timing, purpose, and safety impact of any potential updates.
Elon Musk’s Vision and Industry Challenges
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has aggressively promoted self-driving technology, including plans to introduce robotaxis and a focus on automation as competition in the electric vehicle market intensifies. However, the FSD system has faced significant scrutiny, particularly following high-profile accidents, such as one involving a Tesla Model S that resulted in the death of a 28-year-old motorcyclist earlier this year.
Tesla’s reliance on camera-only sensors for its FSD system has been a controversial topic. Industry experts have raised concerns that this approach could struggle in conditions of reduced visibility, where radar or lidar sensors, used by some of Tesla’s competitors, may offer more reliable detection capabilities.
Conclusion
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of self-driving technology, the NHTSA’s investigation will play a crucial role in determining whether FSD-equipped vehicles pose an unreasonable risk. With a series of crashes raising concerns, Tesla’s path toward fully autonomous driving remains under legal and regulatory scrutiny.
