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The US auto safety regulator yesterday opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the automaker’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after four reported collisions, including a 2023 fatal crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) preliminary evaluation is the first step before the agency could seek a recall of the vehicles if it believes they pose an unreasonable risk to safety.
The new scrutiny of the advanced driver assistance system comes as Tesla CEO Elon Musk looks to shift Tesla’s focus to self-driving technology and robotaxis as it faces growing competition and weak demand in its auto business.
Last week, Musk unveiled Tesla’s two-seater, two-door ‘Cybercab’ robotaxi concept without a steering wheel and pedals that would use cameras and artificial intelligence to help navigate roads. Tesla would need NHTSA approval to deploy a vehicle without human controls.
NHTSA said it was opening the inquiry after four reports of crashes where FSD was engaged during reduced roadway visibility like sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. A pedestrian was killed in Rimrock, Arizona, in November 2023 after being struck by a 2021 Tesla Model Y, NHTSA said. Another crash under investigation involved a reported injury.
The probe covers 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.
The company did not respond to requests for comment. Its shares were up 0.1% in early trading.
Tesla says on its website its FSD software in on-road vehicles requires active driver supervision and does not make vehicles autonomous.
NHTSA is reviewing the ability of FSD’s engineering controls to “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions.”
The agency is asking if other similar FSD crashes have occurred in reduced roadway visibility conditions, and if Tesla has updated or modified the FSD system in a way that may affect it in such conditions.
NHTSA said the “review will assess the timing, purpose, and capabilities of any such updates, as well as Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact,” the agency said.
Tesla’s FSD technology has been in development for years and aims for high automation, where its vehicle can handle most driving tasks without human intervention.
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