Regulators Kick Off Preliminary Review of Tesla FSD
US safety officials have opened a preliminary evaluation into Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) technology after a string of crashes and traffic-safety concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the system, which is marketed as an enhancement to driver responsibility, has occasionally prompted vehicle behavior that appears to violate traffic laws. The move signals the first formal step toward a potential recall if safety risks are confirmed.
The NHTSA’s initial assessment focuses on incidents where vehicles equipped with FSD continued through intersections on red lights or traveled in the wrong direction during lane changes while the driver was expected to monitor and intervene as needed. The agency reported 2.88 million Tesla vehicles involved in red-light and improper-lane-change scenarios observed during FSD operation. More troubling are six cases in which a Tesla with FSD engaged approached a red signal, proceeded into the intersection, and then crashed with other vehicles. Injuries were reported in four of these crashes.
While the company’s representatives have not publicly responded to Reuters’ inquiry, Tesla emphasizes that FSD is designed for use with a fully attentive driver who must keep hands near the wheel and be ready to take control at any moment. Tesla’s site reiterates that FSD features are intended to improve over time, but they do not render the vehicle autonomous.
The Scope and Implications of the Review
The NHTSA pilot investigation—an early step in the process of possible recalls—will evaluate whether FSD contributes to unsafe vehicle behavior or deceptive interface cues that could mislead drivers about the system’s capabilities. The agency noted it has 18 complaints and one media report alleging that FSD at intersections failed to stop at red signals, failed to come to a full stop, or misrepresented signal states in the vehicle display. In some cases, drivers reported that the system did not warn about its intended behavior as it neared a red light.
Regulators have been scrutinizing Tesla’s FSD for more than a year. A prior NHTSA inquiry began in October 2024 after four incidents in reduced-visibility conditions—sun glare, fog, or dust—raised concerns about system performance. One collision in that earlier period involved a fatal outcome and underscored the potential stakes of advanced driver-assistance features when used in real-world settings.
Why This Matters for Consumers and the Industry
For drivers and prospective buyers, the investigation raises questions about how far driver-assistance technology can responsibly go before it is deemed capable of operating without human oversight. NHTSA’s stance—that FSD requires driver attention and readiness to intervene—reflects ongoing industry and regulatory caution as software updates continue to evolve. The outcome could influence labeling, warnings, or even mandate changes to how these systems operate at traffic signals and intersections.
From an industry perspective, the case puts a spotlight on the balance between innovation and safety. Automakers are racing to refine autonomy-related features, but regulators insist that safety must come first, especially when a system can impact vehicle behavior in complex urban environments. The next steps will include data collection, safety analysis, and, if warranted, formal action such as a recall or mandatory software changes.
What’s Ahead
As regulators review the data, drivers should continue to treat FSD as a driver-assist feature—not a substitute for control. Companies developing automated or semi-automated driving technologies will likely face increased scrutiny and potential adjustments to how the systems communicate their limitations and required user engagement. The public can expect ongoing updates from the NHTSA as it assesses safety data and determines whether additional measures are necessary to reduce risk on roadways.
