The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a major probe into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, marking another setback for Elon Musk’s autonomous driving ambitions. Tesla is facing an investigation over Full Self-Driving traffic violations that include running red lights and driving in the wrong lane — behavior that raises fresh concerns about the safety of its AI-powered system.
Over 2.8 Million Teslas Under Review
According to a report by Reuters, the investigation covers over 2.8 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is analyzing 58 traffic safety incidents linked to the system — including 14 crashes and 23 injuries. These cases reportedly involve Teslas that failed to stop at red lights, rolled through intersections, or veered into oncoming lanes while FSD was active.
Safety Concerns Around Full Self-Driving Grow
This isn’t the first time Tesla’s autonomous technology has drawn regulatory scrutiny. In multiple instances, FSD-enabled Teslas were observed making dangerous maneuvers such as turning onto roads in the wrong direction, even when “wrong way” signs were clearly visible. Regulators argue that these repeated violations question whether Tesla’s software is ready for public roads.
Meanwhile, Tesla continues to market FSD as a beta feature, allowing drivers to test it on real streets under what the company calls “active supervision.” Critics, however, claim that this approach puts other road users at risk while using consumers as unpaid safety testers.
What The Investigation Means For Tesla
The NHTSA’s latest move could have serious implications for Tesla’s autonomous driving rollout and brand reputation. If the investigation finds systemic safety flaws, it could lead to mandatory software recalls, stricter regulations, or limitations on FSD deployment.
Tesla has not yet commented publicly on the probe, though CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly defended the company’s self-driving progress, calling it “the safest system in the world when used correctly.”
The investigation highlights a growing tension between innovation and safety in the race toward self-driving cars. As Tesla faces investigation over Full Self-Driving traffic violations, regulators, automakers, and drivers alike are grappling with the balance between AI advancement and real-world accountability.
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