Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ Software Under Review Due to Traffic Safety Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has commenced an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology following reports of vehicles running red lights and straying into incorrect lanes.

This investigation has highlighted over 50 incidents of such violations (four resulting in injuries) and is one of the first to specifically target Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver assistance software. In October 2024, the NHTSA had initiated an inquiry into FSD after receiving reports of accidents occurring in low-visibility conditions.

In April 2024, the federal safety agency concluded its investigation into Tesla’s less advanced Autopilot system, linking it to 13 fatalities due to improper software use. A separate inquiry concerning the effectiveness of the fix Tesla provided for Autopilot remains ongoing.

This latest investigation coincides with Tesla releasing an updated version of the software, a rollout that CEO Elon Musk has vigorously promoted over recent months. This new version is anticipated to leverage training data gathered during Tesla’s limited robotaxi pilot currently being conducted in Austin, Texas.

On Thursday, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) announced the receipt of at least 18 complaints along with a media report claiming Tesla’s FSD software failed to stop at red lights. Additionally, the ODI reported six instances submitted by Tesla under the agency’s Standing General Order for Crash Reporting (SGO), which requires companies to share information on crashes involving autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.

The ODI has collaborated with Maryland’s Transportation Authority and the State Police to determine whether some red light incidents are consistent, especially since “multiple subject incidents occurred at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland.” According to the NHTSA, Tesla has already “taken action to address the issue at this intersection.”

On Thursday, the ODI noted it had identified 18 complaints, two media reports, and two SGO reports from Tesla concerning instances where FSD “entered opposing lanes of traffic during or after a turn, crossed double-yellow lane markings while going straight, or attempted to turn onto a road against clear wrong-way signs.”

The ODI has identified six complaints, one media report, and four SGO reports where a Tesla with FSD engaged proceeded straight through an intersection from a turn lane or turned from a through lane.

“Some reported incidents appeared to involve FSD executing a lane change into oncoming traffic with minimal notification to the driver or chance to take corrective action,” stated the ODI.

The ODI has launched a “Preliminary Evaluation,” which is one of the initial steps it can take towards potentially necessitating a recall. The agency aims to complete these investigations within eight months, though it remains uncertain if a federal government shutdown might affect the timeline.

Earlier this year, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency reportedly made significant cuts to NHTSA’s workforce focused on vehicle automation safety.