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US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous crashes.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads despite the red light and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with current implementations.