Feds investigating Tesla Full Self-Driving after four crashes, one fatality

• The NHTSA is trying on the security of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system
• 4 crashes have been documented whereas Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system was engaged, one was deadly
• Tesla CEO Elon Musk doubled down on self-driving automobiles with the Cybercab

The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into the Tesla Full Self-Driving driver-assistance system following 4 documented crashes, together with one deadly 2023 crash, studies Reuters.

The investigation, which is step one earlier than the NHTSA can demand a recall on security grounds, covers 2016-2024 Tesla Mannequin S and Mannequin X electrical automobiles with the elective system, in addition to 2017-2024 Tesla Mannequin 3, 2020-2024 Tesla Mannequin Y, and 2023-2024 Tesla Cybertruck pickups—basically each car that could possibly be optioned with Full Self-Driving.

The NHTSA stated it opened the investigation after 4 crashes the place the system was engaged throughout reduced-visibility situations comparable to solar glare, fog, or airborne mud. This features a November 2023 crash during which a pedestrian was killed in Rimrock, Arizona, after being struck by a 2021 Tesla Mannequin Y, in keeping with the company. One other crash underneath investigation concerned a reported damage.

Tesla Mannequin 3 dashboard in Autopilot testing with IIHS [CREDIT: IIHS]

The investigation will embrace a evaluate of Full Self-Driving’s capacity to “detect and reply appropriately to lowered roadway visibility situations.” The NHTSA has additionally requested Tesla if some other related crashes have occurred underneath lowered roadway visibility and whether or not the automaker has made any updates that will have an effect on Full Self-Driving in such situations, in keeping with Reuters.

Regardless of its identify, Tesla’s web site acknowledges that Full Self-Driving nonetheless requires lively driver supervision and doesn’t make automobiles actually autonomous. There are no self-driving cars currently available for shoppers to purchase.

2024 Tesla Mannequin Y. – Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

In 2023, the NHTSA requested that Tesla issue a recall to limit the conduct of Full Self-Driving, saying the system posed “an unreasonable threat to motorcar security.” Later that yr, Tesla disclosed that the U.S. Justice Division had issued subpoenas associated to the Full Self-Driving and Autopilot methods. Tesla continues to supply Full Self-Driving as an $8,000 possibility, down from a high of $15,000 in 2022.

The investigation comes as Tesla CEO Elon Musk doubles down on autonomous driving. Earlier this month, Musk staged a showy reveal of an autonomous $30,000 two-seat Cybercab he stated would arrive earlier than 2027, in addition to a 20-seat autonomous shuttle idea dubbed Robovan.