Federal regulators have launched yet another investigation into Tesla’s self-driving technology after 58 incidents involving cars that ran red lights, drove on the wrong side of roads, and caused crashes with injuries. This raises serious questions about whether American drivers are being used as unwilling test subjects for unproven technology.
Story Snapshot
- NHTSA is investigating 58 Tesla incidents involving traffic violations and crashes while using Full Self-Driving mode.
- Investigation covers 2.9 million vehicles, nearly all Teslas with FSD technology.
- Multiple ongoing federal probes threaten Musk’s autonomous vehicle rollout plans.
- Tesla faces $240 million jury verdict for a deadly Autopilot crash in Florida.
Federal Safety Investigation Expands Tesla Scrutiny
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced its investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving mode covers incidents that resulted in more than a dozen crashes and fires, nearly two dozen injuries.
The probe examines 2.9 million vehicles equipped with FSD technology after reports of Teslas violating basic traffic laws. Many drivers reported receiving no warning before their vehicles exhibited dangerous behaviors, contradicting Tesla’s claims about driver oversight capabilities.
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/AMBAQPDUZg
— KCCI News (@KCCINews) October 10, 2025
Multiple Investigations Threaten Autonomous Vehicle Plans
Tesla faces several concurrent federal investigations that could derail Elon Musk’s promise to deploy hundreds of thousands of driverless taxis by 2026. NHTSA opened a separate probe last year into 2.4 million Teslas following crashes in low-visibility conditions, including a fatal pedestrian incident.
Additional investigations target Tesla’s “summon” technology and the company’s alleged failure to report crashes promptly as required by federal law.
Legal Liability Mounts Against Tesla Technology
A Miami jury awarded $240 million in damages against Tesla for a deadly 2019 crash involving Autopilot technology, finding the company partly responsible for the incident.
The verdict represents a significant legal precedent for holding automakers accountable for driver assistance failures. Tesla announced plans to appeal the decision, but the ruling demonstrates growing judicial skepticism toward the company’s safety claims and marketing practices.
Market Pressure Drives Risky Technology Push
Tesla faces mounting business pressures as core vehicle sales decline due to customer boycotts over Musk’s political activities and competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD offering cheaper alternatives.
The company’s recent announcement of stripped-down Model Y versions failed to impress investors, driving stock prices down 4.5%. Industry analysts question whether Tesla’s rush to deploy autonomous features stems from financial desperation rather than proven safety records.
