Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Software Under Investigation by Federal Safety Regulator

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is under scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following reports of four crashes in low-visibility conditions, including a fatal incident involving a pedestrian. This investigation raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla's autonomous driving technology.

Key Takeaways

• NHTSA has launched a preliminary investigation into Tesla's FSD software.

• Four crashes, including one fatality, are under review.

• The investigation focuses on the software's performance in low-visibility conditions.

• Tesla's FSD feature is central to the company's future growth plans.

Investigation Details

The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation announced the investigation on October 18, 2024. The agency aims to determine whether Tesla's FSD can effectively detect and respond to reduced visibility conditions, such as:

• Sun glare

• Fog

• Airborne dust

The investigation was prompted by four reported crashes involving Tesla vehicles using the FSD feature, all occurring between November 2023 and May 2024. The incidents include:

1. November 2023: A Model Y struck and killed a pedestrian in Rimrock, AZ.

2. January 2024: A Model 3 crashed into another vehicle during a dust storm in Nipton, CA.

3. March 2024: A Model 3 collided with another car in Red Mills, VA, under cloudy conditions.

4. May 2024: A Model 3 crashed into a stationary object in foggy conditions in Collinsville, OH, resulting in injuries.

Tesla's Response

Tesla has consistently maintained that its FSD feature is safer than human drivers. The software, which costs $8,000, requires drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment. CEO Elon Musk recently unveiled plans for a fleet of self-driving "robotaxis" and a service allowing Tesla owners to rent their vehicles for ride-sharing.

Despite these ambitious plans, investor confidence appears shaky. Following Musk's presentation, Tesla's stock dropped nearly 9%, indicating skepticism about the company's future profitability and safety assurances.

Previous Investigations

This is not the first time NHTSA has scrutinized Tesla's self-driving capabilities. In February 2023, the agency ordered a recall affecting over 360,000 vehicles due to safety concerns related to FSD's adherence to traffic laws. The recall highlighted issues such as:

• FSD allowing vehicles to travel through intersections without stopping.

• Potential violations of traffic laws at critical points.

In December 2023, another recall was issued for 2 million Teslas to address concerns with the Autopilot feature, which had been involved in numerous crashes.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving software underscores the challenges and risks associated with autonomous vehicle technology. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, the future of Tesla's self-driving ambitions hangs in the balance, with safety and reliability at the forefront of public concern.

Sources

• Tesla's Full Self-Driving software under investigation by federal safety regulator | TechCrunch, TechCrunch.

• Feds investigating safety of Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ feature - Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News, WHDH.

• Feds investigating safety of Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ feature | Business | abc12.com, WJRT ABC12.