Topline
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a new investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving feature, looking into dozens of reports of some cars running red lights and driving the wrong way down lanes of opposing traffic.
The probe will investigate the feature in an estimated 2.8 million vehicles.
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Key Facts
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened the investigation in October, and is examining the feature in an estimated 2.8 million Tesla vehicles.
The investigation centers on two versions of Tesla’s full self-driving feature: FSD (Supervised) and FSD (Beta).
Tesla did not immediately return a request for comment from Forbes.
What Problems Is The Nhtsa Looking Into?
Investigators identified 18 complaints and one media report of Tesla vehicles with FSD engaged having problems at intersections with red lights, including instances of the cars not coming to a complete stop, not remaining stopped for the full duration of the red light, and not displaying the correct traffic signals in the car’s own interface. Investigators also identified six reports of crashes after FSD drove into an intersection—four of which resulted in injuries. However, a number of these crashes took place at the same intersection in the town of Joppa, Maryland, the NHTSA said, and Tesla has since taken steps to address the issue. Investigators are also examining 18 complaints, two reports to the NHTSA, and two media reports of FSD driving down the wrong lane—either after executing a turn, crossing the double yellow line, or driving down a road marked with wrong-way signs. Some cars have also reportedly driven straight through intersections through a turn-only lane, according to six complaints, four reports to the NHTSA, and two media reports. In many of these instances, the cars gave drivers little indication or notice they were turning into a new lane, giving them little time to react and take over, the NHTSA said.
Key Background
Tesla owner Elon Musk has repeatedly pushed Tesla’s FSD and Autopilot features for years, frequently hyping the products and making predictions that the software would soon be good enough for drivers to use the feature without intervening. At Tesla’s second earnings call in July, Musk again predicted: “I think it will be available for unsupervised personal use by the end of this year in certain geographies.” Tesla has repeatedly faced investigations and scrutiny into its Autopilot and FSD features, and is currently facing a class action lawsuit from drivers in California claiming they were mislead about the feature. A Forbes report in September replicated instances of a Tesla with FSD ignoring flashing pedestrian crossing signs and even a stop sign for a school bus.