Tesla FSD Officially Under NHTSA Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software following reports of four crashes, including one fatal incident, in low-visibility conditions.
The probe covers 2.4 million Tesla vehicles, representing a significant portion of the brand’s U.S. fleet. This investigation could hinder Tesla CEO Elon Musk's push to advance self-driving technology and robotaxi services, which face growing competition and demand challenges.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation will focus on FSD’s ability to navigate reduced visibility scenarios, an area where Tesla’s "camera-only" approach has been questioned. Unlike many competitors that use expensive sensors like lidar and radar for autonomous driving, Tesla relies solely on cameras and artificial intelligence. Some experts argue this method struggles in low-visibility environments.
Tesla has previously faced legal scrutiny regarding its driver-assistance systems, and this latest probe follows a recall of over 2 million vehicles in December 2023 to address safety concerns with its Autopilot system. The effectiveness of those safeguards is still under review.
Amid these challenges, Tesla recently unveiled its futuristic “Cybercab” robotaxi concept, a two-seater without a steering wheel or pedals, which aims to further Musk’s vision for autonomous driving. However, the growing regulatory scrutiny may slow the timeline for fully autonomous products hitting the market. Tesla has not commented on the investigation.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the cut-throat world of IndyCar.
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