Feds Launch Probe into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System After Multiple Crashes and a Fatality

The US federal authorities are probing Tesla's autonomous driving feature due to a series of four collisions, with one resulting in death, as per information from Reuters. The inquiry into the Full Self-Driving system is being conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The probe, serving as a preliminary measure prior to a potential safety recall by the NHTSA, encompasses electric vehicles such as the 2016-2024 Tesla Model S and Model X that have the optional Full Self-Driving feature, in addition to the 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3, the 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y, and the 2023-2024 Tesla Cybertruck. This essentially includes all models that offer the Full Self-Driving option.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an inquiry following four incidents involving activated systems amidst poor visibility due to factors like bright sunlight, fog, or dust in the air. The agency mentioned a particular incident from November 2023 where a person on foot lost their life in Rimrock, Arizona, after being hit by a 2021 Tesla Model Y. Additionally, another collision that resulted in an injury is also under scrutiny.

The dashboard of the Tesla Model 3 is undergoing testing in Autopilot mode by the IIHS. [Image courtesy of IIHS]

The inquiry will encompass an examination of the Full Self-Driving feature's competence in recognizing and correctly reacting to compromised visibility on roads. Additionally, the NHTSA is inquiring with Tesla about any past incidents of comparable nature that happened during poor visibility, and if there have been any modifications to the Full Self-Driving that could influence its performance under these circumstances, as reported by Reuters.

Tesla's official site admits that despite being called "Full Self-Driving," their system still needs the driver to monitor the vehicle, and it doesn't render the car completely self-sufficient. At present, the market doesn't offer any cars to consumers that are capable of driving themselves.

Upcoming 2024 version of the Tesla Model Y, presented by Tesla, Inc.

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration demanded that Tesla initiate a recall to limit the functionality of its Full Self-Driving feature, citing concerns over potential safety hazards. Subsequently, Tesla revealed that they had received subpoenas from the U.S. Justice Department regarding their Full Self-Driving and Autopilot technologies. Despite these issues, Tesla still markets Full Self-Driving as an add-on for its vehicles, currently priced at $8,000, which is a reduction from the previous peak price of $15,000 in 2022.

The probe is underway amid Tesla head Elon Musk's increased focus on self-driving technology. Just recently, Musk made a splash with the unveiling of a self-driving Cybercab priced at $30,000 with two seats, promising a release before 2027, along with the introduction of a 20-seater self-driving shuttle named Robovan.

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