The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reopened an investigation into Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system following reports of crashes occurring in low-visibility conditions, including a fatal incident involving a pedestrian. The probe was announced on Thursday after Tesla reported four crashes where its vehicles struggled in poor visibility caused by sun glare, fog, and airborne dust.
The investigation will focus on the FSD system’s ability to detect and respond effectively to reduced roadway visibility and the circumstances surrounding these incidents. It encompasses approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles produced between 2016 and 2024.
According to NHTSA documents, one of the crashes resulted in the death of a pedestrian, while another crash led to injuries. Investigators will also assess whether other incidents involving the FSD system occurred under similar conditions and how software updates might have affected the system’s performance in low visibility scenarios.
The agency will scrutinize the timing and purpose of any updates to the FSD system, as well as Tesla’s evaluations of their safety implications. As of early Friday, Tesla had not responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing investigation.
Tesla has consistently maintained that its FSD system does not operate autonomously and that drivers must remain ready to take control at all times. This assertion comes amid growing scrutiny of the system’s capabilities. Recently, Tesla hosted an event at a Hollywood studio to unveil a fully autonomous robotaxi, which lacks a steering wheel or pedals. CEO Elon Musk expressed confidence that the company aims to deploy fully autonomous vehicles by next year and plans to launch robotaxis by 2026.
This latest investigation follows two previous recalls of the FSD system initiated by the NHTSA, prompted by safety concerns. In July, the agency sought information from law enforcement and Tesla after a vehicle using the FSD system struck and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle. These recalls were due to the system’s programming, which allowed it to run stop signs at low speeds and violate other traffic laws.
Critics of Tesla’s FSD system argue that the exclusive reliance on cameras for navigation is insufficient for fully autonomous driving. Many competitors in the autonomous vehicle sector incorporate radar and laser sensors alongside cameras to improve performance in low-light and adverse weather conditions.
As the NHTSA’s investigation progresses, it aims to address these critical safety concerns while Tesla continues to advance its ambitious goals in the autonomous driving market.
