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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after several crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a recall of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The authority reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended actions as the car was coming to a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.