The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after reports of traffic violations and crashes linked to the system. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened the probe, which covers nearly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles, on October 7, 2025, to assess whether FSD’s driving behavior violates traffic safety laws or compromises driver supervision.
According to NHTSA, the evaluation centers on instances where FSD-equipped Teslas allegedly drove through red lights or entered oncoming traffic lanes. The agency says it has documented 58 reports of such incidents, including 14 crashes and 23 injuries.
The first category involves cases where Teslas failed to remain stopped at red traffic signals or misinterpreted signal states. Investigators cited 18 consumer complaints and six Standing General Order (SGO) crash reports, four of which resulted in injuries. Several of those crashes reportedly occurred at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, prompting local authorities to work with NHTSA and Tesla, which has since made adjustments at that location.
The second type of incident involves FSD steering into the wrong lane or direction of travel. ODI identified two SGO reports, 18 complaints, and two media reports of Teslas crossing double-yellow lines or turning into oncoming lanes. Other reports included vehicles proceeding straight from turn-only lanes or turning from through lanes despite visible markings and signage.
NHTSA’s investigation will analyze how much advance warning drivers receive before FSD executes unexpected maneuvers and whether there is enough time to intervene safely. Regulators will also review the system’s ability to detect and respond to traffic signals, lane markings, and wrong-way signs, along with performance at railroad crossings.
The NHTSA says that the investigation remains in the preliminary evaluation stage, the first formal step that could eventually lead to a safety recall if regulators determine there is a defect posing “an unreasonable risk to safety.”
Tesla has not yet issued a public statement regarding the new investigation.
The new probe comes as Tesla faces increasing scrutiny over its driver-assist systems. Earlier this year, NHTSA opened separate investigations into remote-driving functions and robotaxi deployments.
You can read the full NHTSA ODI Resume below.
