**Washington D.C.** – U.S. auto safety regulators have initiated a comprehensive investigation into nearly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the company's "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) technology, following a surge of reports detailing traffic safety violations and crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the preliminary evaluation on October 9, 2025, marking a significant escalation in federal scrutiny over the capabilities and safety of Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems. T^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}his probe comes amidst increasing concerns about the FSD system's performance, which has allegedly led to vehicles running red lights, driving into oncoming traffic, and other dangerous maneuvers. ^{[1][2][3][4][8]}### Escalating Safety Concerns Lead to Federal Action The preliminary evaluation by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) targets all Tesla vehicles featuring "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)" versions of the software. T^[2][8][5]his broad scope encompasses virtually every Tesla vehicle currently operating with the FSD technology enabled. T^[3]he agency stated that its investigation aims to "assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations." T^[4][7]his step is critical, as a preliminary evaluation is the initial phase before regulators can potentially demand a recall of the vehicles if significant safety risks are identified. ^[1]Key points from NHTSA's findings and the basis for the investigation include: * **58 reported incidents** linked to Tesla vehicles operating with FSD, detailing traffic safety violations. *^{[2][3][4][8][5][9][6]} These incidents include **14 crashes or fires** and a total of **23 injuries**. *^[2][4][8][9] Six specific crashes involved Teslas, with FSD engaged, proceeding into intersections against a red traffic signal and colliding with other vehicles, resulting in at least four injuries. *^{[1][4][6][10]} Reports also detail Teslas driving against the proper direction of travel during lane changes, maneuvering into opposing lanes, and failing to stop fully or accurately detect traffic signal states. *^{[1][2][3][4][8][5][9]} Some complaints indicate that the FSD system "did not provide warnings of the system's intended behaviour" as the vehicle approached a red traffic signal. ^[1]### Unpacking the Allegations and Prior Scrutiny The new investigation highlights specific, repeatable issues, with NHTSA noting that multiple red light infractions occurred at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland. Tesla has reportedly taken steps to address the problem at that particular location. D^[4][6][10]espite Tesla's consistent messaging that FSD requires a "fully attentive driver" with hands on the wheel, ready to take over, the incidents suggest the system may induce behaviors that challenge this premise. ^[1][2][3][5]This latest probe adds to a growing list of regulatory and legal challenges for the electric vehicle manufacturer: * **Ongoing Investigations:** NHTSA has been scrutinizing Tesla's automated driving systems for over three years. T^[2][3]his includes an inquiry launched in October 2024 into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, one of which was fatal in 2023. *^[1][3] **"Summon" Feature Probe:** Tesla's "summon" technology, which allows vehicles to drive to a driver's location, is also under investigation due to reports of minor collisions in parking lots. *^[2][3] **Crash Reporting Compliance:** In August of the current year, NHTSA launched another investigation to determine if Tesla has been promptly reporting crashes to the agency as required by regulations. *^[2][3] **Legal Precedent:** A Miami jury in August 2025 found Tesla partially responsible for a deadly 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system (distinct from FSD), ordering the company to pay over $240 million in damages. Tesla has stated its intention to appeal this decision. ^{[2][3][10][11]}### The Road Ahead for Tesla and Autonomous Driving The mounting regulatory pressure underscores broader questions about the safety and reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems as they become more prevalent on public roads. Critics argue that the naming conventions, such as "Full Self-Driving," can mislead consumers into believing the cars are more autonomous than they truly are, potentially leading to a false sense of security and reduced driver vigilance. T^[11]esla CEO Elon Musk has long championed FSD as central to the company's future, envisioning hundreds of thousands of self-driving Tesla cars and robotaxis on roads in the coming years. ^[3][6]As this preliminary evaluation unfolds, NHTSA will meticulously gather data to determine the root causes of these incidents and whether the FSD system provides adequate warnings and opportunities for driver intervention. The outcome could have significant implications for Tesla, potentially leading to mandated software updates, modifications to how the system is marketed, or even a widespread recall, shaping the trajectory of autonomous vehicle development across the industry.^[9]

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