Federal auto safety regulators have launched a new investigation into Tesla's full self-driving technology following numerous incidents where vehicles reportedly ran red lights or drove on the wrong side of the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday (October 7) that it has received 58 reports of Tesla vehicles violating traffic laws while in full self-driving mode. Many drivers reported that the cars did not provide any warning before these unexpected behaviors occurred.
The investigation covers approximately 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology. The NHTSA's preliminary evaluation aims to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of the technology, which allows cars to make lane changes and turns but requires drivers to remain alert.
The probe follows six crashes where Teslas reportedly stopped at red lights and then proceeded, resulting in four injuries. The NHTSA will also investigate incidents where vehicles entered the opposite lane during turns. Tesla has reportedly taken action to address issues at a specific intersection in Maryland.
This is not the first time Tesla's technology has come under scrutiny. In August, a Miami jury found Tesla partly responsible for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot feature, which differs from full self-driving. The company plans to appeal the decision.
Tesla's full self-driving technology, or FSD, is a Level 2 driver-assistance system that requires driver attention. Tesla is still testing a version that does not require driver intervention. The company is also under investigation for its "summon" feature, which has reportedly caused minor accidents in parking lots.
The NHTSA's investigations could lead to recalls if significant safety issues are found. Meanwhile, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk is under pressure to demonstrate that the latest advances in driver-assistance features are reliable and safe. Tesla shares fell 2% on Thursday (October 9) following the announcement of the investigation.