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US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple crashes.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to travel into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

The agency reported that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.