The U.S. auto safety regulator (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into nearly 2.9 million Tesla cars equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) after dozens of complaints that the system violated traffic rules and caused collisions.
Reports include Teslas running red lights, driving the wrong way during lane changes, and failing to recognize signals, leading to at least 14 crashes and 23 injuries, the agency said. Six of the crashes occurred when vehicles entered intersections against a red light.
The review — a preliminary evaluation — could lead to a recall if NHTSA concludes that FSD poses an “unreasonable risk to safety.” Tesla issued an update to the system this week but has not commented publicly.
The latest inquiry adds to ongoing federal scrutiny of Tesla’s automation efforts. In January, NHTSA also opened a separate probe into remote vehicle movement features and is currently examining the firm’s robotaxi trials in Texas.
Analysts say the investigation may become a defining test for how governments regulate AI-driven driver assistance, as regulators seek to clarify where automation ends and human responsibility begins.
