Teslas full self-driving feature probed by feds after several deadly crashes
The federal government is investigating Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” software after several crashes that were blamed on the system, including one that led to a fatality.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday said it was opening an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles with the automaker’s Full Self-Driving software after four reported collisions.The US auto safety regulator said it was opening the preliminary evaluation after four reports of crashes where FSD was engaged during reduced roadway visibility like sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.In one crash, “the Tesla vehicle fatally struck a pedestrian.One additional crash in these conditions involved a reported injury,” NHTSA said.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 preliminary evaluation is the first step before the agency could seek to demand a recall of the vehicles if it believes they pose an unreasonable risk to safety.Tesla says on its website its “Full Self-Driving” 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 reduced roadway visibility 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.”Tesla CEO Elon Musk is seeking to shift Tesla’s focus to self-driving technology and robotaxis amid competition and weak demand in its auto business.The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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