NHTSA Opens Investigation into Avride Robotaxi Crashes in Texas

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation into the automated driving system (ADS) developed by Avride after a series of crashes involving its robotaxis in Texas.

According to documents released this week under by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), the agency is examining how Avride’s self-driving system handles critical real-world driving situations, including lane changes, vehicles entering its path, and obstacles partially blocking the roadway.

The preliminary evaluation follows at least 16 reported crashes involving Avride-equipped vehicles operating in Dallas and Austin. In each case, the ADS was active while a human safety operator remained seated behind the wheel. Regulators say the crashes resulted in property damage and one alleged minor injury.

NHTSA cites “assertiveness” concerns

In its documentation, NHTSA said video reviews of the crashes revealed several troubling behaviours from the Avride system.

According to the agency, some vehicles changed lanes directly into adjacent traffic or into the path of nearby vehicles. Others allegedly failed to slow or stop for stopped traffic ahead, did not adequately respond to vehicles merging into their lane, or struck stationary objects partially obstructing the roadway.

NHTSA said these incidents may point to “inappropriate assertiveness and insufficient competence” by the automated driving system.

The agency will now evaluate the “scope, nature and severity” of the potential safety issues, while also reviewing any safeguards or mitigation measures already implemented by Avride following the crashes.

The investigation currently covers an estimated population of around 200 vehicles equipped with the Avride ADS.

Uber partnership under scrutiny

Part of the investigation may also focus on Avride’s commercial operations through Uber. NHTSA noted that Avride vehicles have been offering public passenger rides on Uber’s platform in Dallas since December 3, 2025, with many of the reported crashes occurring after the launch.

That detail could draw increased attention to how autonomous driving companies deploy robotaxi services at scale while still relying on supervised operations.

For now, NHTSA says the preliminary evaluation remains ongoing, and the agency could expand the scope of the investigation if additional evidence surfaces involving other driving behaviours or crash scenarios.

You can read the full ODI resume below.