The U.S. government has launched a formal investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology after receiving dozens of reports that the vehicles allegedly violated traffic laws including running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and failing to yield properly.
The probe, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), represents one of the most extensive safety reviews yet into the company's autonomous driving systems. According to NHTSA filings, the agency has identified 58 incidents involving potential violations committed by Tesla vehicles operating in "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" mode. The preliminary evaluation will cover an estimated 2.9 million Tesla cars equipped with the feature across the United States.
The safety watchdog said it will "assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences" of the alleged incidents, which range from traffic signal violations to lane deviation during turns.
In one section of the report, NHTSA highlighted six crashes where Teslas moved through intersections while the traffic light was still red -- an error that led to four injuries.
The agency added that Tesla had already "taken action to address the issue" after multiple red-light violations were recorded at a particular intersection in Maryland, suggesting the company may have pushed out a software update or other corrective measure.
The NHTSA also plans to investigate reports of Teslas crossing into opposing lanes while turning. Some of these incidents reportedly gave "little notice to a driver or opportunity to intervene," raising questions about whether the system provides adequate warnings in time for humans to regain control.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving mode, which comes at an additional cost for owners, enables automatic lane changes, turns, and navigation on city streets. However, the system is marketed as "supervised automation", meaning that drivers are required to remain attentive and ready to take over at any moment.
Despite these disclaimers, regulators have long expressed concern that some drivers over-rely on the system, potentially misunderstanding its limitations.
This is not the first time Tesla has come under scrutiny from the NHTSA. The agency is already investigating a separate issue involving Model Y door-locking mechanisms, after reports that children were trapped inside due to system malfunctions. In several instances, parents reportedly had to smash windows to free their children.
Tesla has yet to release an official statement regarding the latest investigation. The company is also facing pressure on other fronts, including intensifying competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and a push to lower prices on its popular models.
The probe comes as Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, continues to make headlines beyond the automotive world. Recently recognized as the world's first half-trillionaire, Musk has also made political waves with the formation of the "America Party", his new political movement aiming to challenge both Democrats and Republicans.
P reviously a close ally of former President Donald Trump, Musk publicly distanced himself earlier this year after what he described as a "fundamental difference in values."