Tesla Faces NHTSA Probe Into 2.9M FSD-Equipped Vehicles

The U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has opened an investigation into approximately 2.9 million Tesla (TSLA) vehicles due to concerns about traffic safety law violations involving vehicles equipped with its full self-driving driver assistance technology.

The regulator stated that its Office of Defects Investigation has identified several incidents where FSD-induced vehicle behavior violated traffic safety laws, including scenarios where a vehicle operating with FSD proceeded into an intersection despite a red traffic signal. The regulator also stated that scenarios where FSD commands a lane change into an opposing lane of traffic are also common.

The regulator stated it is aware of a total of 58 incidents, including 23 injuries and 14 crashes or fires.

TSLA shares dropped 1% in the pre-market session at the time of writing. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around TSLA stock rose from ‘neutral’ to ‘bullish’ territory over the past 24 hours, while message volume stayed at ‘high’ levels.

NHTSA said that it is opening the probe to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations.

As Tesla requires a driver to supervise and intervene as needed with FSD use, the probe will assess whether there was prior warning or adequate time for the driver to respond to the unexpected behavior, or to safely supervise the automated driving task, NHTSA said. The regulator will also assess the capability of FSD to detect and respond to traffic signals, lane markings, and wrong-way signage.  

TSLA stock is up by 9% this year and by about 82% over the past 12 months. 

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