https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nhtsa-opens-probe-into-24-mln-tesla-vehicles-over-full-self-driving-collisions-2024-10-18/ Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals Learn more aboutRefinitiv * World Browse World + Africa + Americas + Asia Pacific + China + Europe + India + Israel and Hamas at War + Japan + Middle East + Ukraine and Russia at War + United Kingdom + United States + Reuters NEXT * US Election * Business Browse Business + Aerospace & Defense + Autos & Transportation + Davos + Energy + Environment + Finance + Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals + Media & Telecom + Retail & Consumer + Future of Health + Future of Money + Take Five + World at Work * Markets Browse Markets + Asian Markets + Carbon Markets + Commodities + Currencies + Deals + Emerging Markets + ETFs + European Markets + Funds + Global Market Data + Rates & Bonds + Stocks + U.S. Markets + Wealth + Macro Matters * Sustainability Browse Sustainability + Boards, Policy & Regulation + Climate & Energy + Land Use & Biodiversity + Society & Equity + Sustainable Finance & Reporting + The Switch + Reuters Impact * Legal Browse Legal + Government + Legal Industry + Litigation + Transactional + US Supreme Court * Breakingviews Browse Breakingviews + Breakingviews Predictions * Technology Browse Technology + Artificial Intelligence + Cybersecurity + Space + Disrupted * More InvestigationsSports + Athletics + Baseball + Basketball + Cricket + Cycling + Formula 1 + Golf + NFL + NHL + Soccer + Tennis ScienceLifestyleGraphics PicturesWider ImagePodcastsFact CheckVideoSponsored Content + Reuters Plus + Press Releases My News Register * Autos & Transportation * Product Liability * ADAS, AV & Safety * Sustainable & EV Supply Chain * Software-Defined Vehicle US probes Tesla's Full Self-Driving software in 2.4 mln cars after fatal crash By David Shepardson and Akash Sriram October 18, 20244:00 PM UTCUpdated ago * * * * * * * * * Summary * Companies * NHTSA opens inquiry after 4 reports of crashes where FSD used * First step to any potential recall * Tesla's camera-only approach has attracted some criticism WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. auto safety regulator on Friday 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." Tesla Model 3 shown using Autopilot FSD in California A Tesla Model 3 using autopilot FSD is shown giving a warning on the screen to pay attention while driving on the highway in Palm Springs, California, U.S., October 12, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab 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. Tesla in December recalled more than two million U.S. vehicles to install new safeguards in its Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system. NHTSA is still probing whether that recall is adequate to address concerns drivers are not paying attention. Tesla disclosed in October 2023 that the U.S. Justice Department issued subpoenas related to its FSD and Autopilot systems. Reuters reported in October 2022 that Tesla was under criminal investigation. There have been at least two fatal accidents involving the FSD technology, including an incident in April in which a Tesla Model S car was in FSD mode when it hit and killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist in the Seattle area. Tesla's "camera-only" approach to partially and fully autonomous driving systems, some industry experts have said, could cause issues in low-visibility conditions as the vehicles do not have a set of back-up sensors. "Weather conditions can impact the camera's ability to see things and I think the regulatory environment will certainly weigh in on this," said Jeff Schuster, vice president at GlobalData. "That could be one of the major roadblocks in what I would call a near-term launch of this technology and these products," he said of Tesla's robotaxis. Tesla's rivals that operate robotaxis rely on expensive sensors such as lidar and radar to detect driving environments. Sign up here. Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Chizu Nomiyama and Mark Potter Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab * * * * * Purchase Licensing Rights [5b6f19e9-9] Akash Sriram Thomson Reuters Akash reports on technology companies in the United States, electric vehicle companies, and the space industry. His reporting usually appears in the Autos & Transportation and Technology sections. He has a postgraduate degree in Conflict, Development, and Security from the University of Leeds. 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