NHTSA investigating 2.4M Tesla vehicles over full self-driving collisions
FILE-A Tesla model car with a large touch screen on the dashboard on display at Brussels Expo on JANUARY 09, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium. The car is equipped with a full self-driving system. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software following reports of four collisions, including a deadly crash last year.
An initial assessment of the vehicles is a first action before the NHTSA possibly moves forward with a recall of the cars if they are deemed a risk to safety.
FOX Business reported that the Tesla vehicles at the center of the agency’s investigation include the 2016-2024 Model S and X vehicles with the optional system as well as 2017-2024 Model 3, 2020-2024 Model Y and 2023-2024 Cybertruck vehicles.
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The reported crashes involving Tesla’s FSD software happened when the technology was used at times when there was limited visibility on the road like sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.
NHTSA officials tell FOX Business that in one of the crashes a Tesla car "fatally struck a pedestrian and in another crash the conditions involved a reported injury."
Tesla explains on its website that its FSD software in on-road vehicles requires active driver supervision and does not make cars autonomous.
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Reuters reports that Tesla's FSD technology has been in development for years with a goal of high automation, meaning its cars are capable of handling most driving tasks without human involvement.
Last year, Tesla recalled over two million U.S. vehicles to install new safeguards in its Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system. NHTSA officials are still investigating if that recall is sufficient to address worries that drivers are not focused on the road.
FOX Business reported that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pushing to increase the company’s focus on self-driving technology and robotaxis as it faces tough competition and weak consumer demand in the electric vehicle market.