NHTSA Investigation Into Tesla Self-Driving Technology Launched Following Pedestrian Accidents

More than 2 million vehicles on the road contain the Tesla self-driving systems, which have been linked to at least four pedestrian accidents.

At least four pedestrian accidents may have resulted from Tesla’s self-driving technology, including one that caused fatal injuries, according to a recent statement issued by federal regulators.

The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Tesla self-driving systems (PDF) on October 17, after identifying a number of collisions with pedestrians that occurred when Tesla vehicles using autonomous driving functions entered areas with reduced roadway visibility, including conditions caused by sun glare, fog or airborne dust.

The automated systems being reviewed by NHTSA are potentially installed on more than 2.4 million Tesla vehicles (PDF), some of which date back to 2016, and include:

• 2016-2024 Tesla Model S
• 2016-2024 Tesla Model X
• 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3
• 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y
• 2023-2024 Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla Self-Driving Technology May Be at Fault

Tesla’s full self-driving systems (FSD) include autopilot assistance with steering, braking and accelerating, as well as automatic navigation and lane changing abilities. However, the system is not meant to be completely autonomous, requiring driver supervision of road conditions, surroundings and other drivers.

The investigation into potential problems with Tesla self-driving technology was launched by the NHTSA to make sure the systems can adequately detect visibility conditions on the road, and react appropriately.

Federal regulators also want to determine whether any additional accidents may have resulted from self-driving Teslas in low visibility conditions.

Finally, NHTSA wants to ensure that any modifications or updates Tesla makes to its autonomous driving technology do not affect the performance of that technology in low visibility conditions.

Not all Teslas come automatically equipped with self-driving systems. However, most vehicles manufactured after 2019 can activate the technology, if the owner pays to have it unlocked, and some Tesla vehicles manufactured before 2019 can receive a software upgrade to allow the car to drive autonomously.

Tesla Self-Driving Problems Are Not New

This is not the first time Tesla has come under scrutiny from federal regulators due to issues with its self-driving software.

In 2023, NHTSA recalled 2 million Tesla vehicles due to an autosteer feature that could increase the risk of an accident. This followed data that suggested Tesla autopilot vehicles had been linked to more accidents than previously believed.

NHTSA data showed that Tesla Autopilot features were involved in at least 736 accidents between 2019 and 2023. Prior to that report, it was believed the technology had been involved in less than 300 crashes.

A Greek engineer also petitioned NHTSA in 2023 to recall Tesla vehicles with autopilot features, due to problems with unintended acceleration. According to the petition, 1.6 million Tesla vehicles equipped with autopilot features had the ability to suddenly and unexpectedly accelerate, which could dramatically increase the risk of an accident.

Throughout it all, Tesla has maintained that its autonomous driving features are not intended to be fully “driverless” systems. Instead, the vehicle manufacturer considers them to be add-on software packages, which are capable of stopping at traffic lights, steering around vehicles, and maneuvering through turns. The company insists that Tesla users must maintain active supervision while using the features, so as to be prepared to intervene, if necessary.