- NHTSA has requested detailed information from Tesla about incidents involving vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology that resulted in potential traffic violations.
- The regulator’s inquiry follows 62 consumer complaints, four media reports, and 14 incidents identified by Tesla involving malfunctioning FSD software.
- The probe will review whether Tesla drivers had sufficient warning or time to intervene during FSD-related malfunctions.
- Tesla must respond to the regulator’s questions by January 19, 2026, or risk potential penalties.
- Recent comments from CEO Elon Musk suggest FSD may soon enable drivers to text while driving, despite legal restrictions across most U.S. states.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Tesla for comprehensive data regarding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. This request seeks details about the number of vehicles with FSD technology, total miles driven, and all known complaints and incident reports associated with the system. The NHTSA’s action is part of an ongoing investigation into reports of Tesla vehicles allegedly performing traffic violations while FSD was engaged.
According to the regulator, there are now 62 consumer complaints, four media reports, and 14 company-flagged cases documenting FSD malfunctions. This figure exceeds the number of incidents identified when the initial investigation began, which focused on nearly 2.9 million vehicles. Regulators are specifically examining behaviors such as FSD-enabled cars moving through red lights, entering opposing traffic lanes, or making improper turns within intersections. The regulator seeks to understand “causal or contributing factors” in these incidents as revealed in the official request letter.
The NHTSA also aims to evaluate if Tesla drivers received sufficient warnings and had enough time to react or intervene when system errors arose. Although Tesla advertises FSD as a driver assistance feature—meaning drivers must remain alert and ready to take control—it is under review if current safeguards are sufficient during unexpected FSD actions. The agency will also assess FSD’s effectiveness in responding to traffic signals, lane markings, and wrong-way signage.
Tesla is required to answer all queries by January 19, 2026. Failure to comply could result in penalties for the automaker.
Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk recently said in a social media post that new versions of FSD could allow users to text while operating the vehicle depending on the context of surrounding traffic, even though texting and driving is currently illegal in nearly every U.S. state.
Retail investor sentiment toward Tesla remains mostly positive, with the company’s stock rising 13% this year and 23% over the past twelve months.
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