Federal regulators have launched yet another investigation into Tesla’s self-driving technology after 58 incidents where cars ran red lights, drove on the wrong sides of roads, and crashed into other vehicles.
Story Overview
- NHTSA is investigating 58 Tesla incidents involving traffic violations and crashes with nearly two dozen injuries.
- The investigation covers 2.9 million Tesla vehicles with Full Self-Driving technology.
- Multiple ongoing federal probes threaten Musk’s autonomous taxi rollout plans.
- Tesla faces $240 million jury verdict for a deadly Autopilot crash in Florida.
Federal Safety Investigation Targets Tesla’s Flawed Technology
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a comprehensive investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving mode following 58 documented incidents of dangerous behavior. These cases include vehicles running red lights, driving on the wrong side of roads, and causing crashes that resulted in fires and nearly two dozen injuries. The probe encompasses 2.9 million Tesla vehicles, essentially every car equipped with the company’s FSD technology, highlighting the widespread nature of these safety concerns.
Tesla hit with probe after crashes involving a self-driving feature that Musk has boasted about | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/qjUogQdbVL
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) October 10, 2025
Pattern of Regulatory Failures Emerges
This latest investigation adds to a growing list of federal probes into Tesla’s technology. NHTSA previously opened investigations into 2.4 million Teslas after crashes in low-visibility conditions that killed a pedestrian, examined the company’s “summon” feature following parking lot accidents, and launched a separate probe into Tesla’s failure to report crashes as required by federal law. This pattern suggests systematic issues with both the technology and Tesla’s compliance with safety regulations.
The timing is particularly problematic for Musk, who has promised to deploy hundreds of thousands of driverless taxis across American cities by the end of 2025. These ongoing investigations could derail those ambitious plans and expose the company to significant regulatory action. Tesla’s stock has already shown volatility, falling nearly 3% following the announcement before recovering slightly.
Corporate Accountability Questions Mount
Tesla’s defense strategy has consistently shifted responsibility to drivers, arguing that the company repeatedly warns users that FSD cannot operate independently. However, regulators noted that many drivers involved in accidents reported receiving no warning about their vehicles’ unexpected and dangerous behavior.
This contradiction raises serious questions about Tesla’s marketing practices and the misleading nature of the “Full Self-Driving” name itself.
A Miami jury’s $240 million verdict against Tesla in August demonstrates growing legal accountability for the company’s technology failures. The case involved Tesla’s Autopilot system in a deadly 2019 Florida crash, showing that courts are willing to hold the company financially responsible for its defective autonomous driving features. Tesla’s appeal of this verdict indicates the company continues to resist accountability for its products’ dangerous malfunctions.
Business Pressures Compound Safety Concerns
Tesla faces mounting business challenges that may be influencing its approach to safety testing. Customer boycotts over Musk’s political activities have hurt sales, while Chinese competitor BYD gains market share with superior, more affordable electric vehicles.
Tesla’s recent announcement of cheaper Model Y variants failed to impress investors, causing another 4.5% stock decline and demonstrating the company’s desperation to maintain its market position.
Industry experts argue Tesla should abandon its camera-only approach and incorporate radar sensors and additional hardware to improve safety. Money manager Ross Gerber, a former Tesla believer, stated bluntly that “the world has become a giant testing ground for Elon’s concept of full self-driving, and it’s not working.”
This assessment reflects growing concern that Tesla is prioritizing profits and promises over proven safety technology and responsible testing protocols.
