Tesla Full Self-Driving under federal probe for running red lights

Tesla has been placed under federal investigation due to several reports alleging that its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software violated several traffic laws, resulting in at least six crashes, four of which resulted in injuries.

In a report dated October 7, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited at least 18 complaints involving Tesla vehicles using the Self-Driving feature that allegedly ran red lights or veered into opposing lanes.

According to the agency’s Office of Defect Investigation, the software failed in several instances to stop at red lights, remain stationary or correctly identify traffic signals. One of the incidents cited by NHTSA involved a Tesla that “approached an intersection with a red traffic light, continued into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a collision with other vehicles in the intersection.”

Complaints also described Tesla vehicles crossing double yellow lines, entering oncoming traffic or trying to turn onto roads in the wrong direction, the regulator said. In other cases, vehicles were reported to have gone straight through intersections from turn-only lanes or turned from designated traffic lanes.

Tesla unveils low-cost versions of the Model Y and Model 3 vehicles

The complaints alleged that FSD did not provide warnings about the system’s behavior.

The investigation will determine whether Tesla provided adequate warnings or opportunities for drivers to take control of the vehicle before unexpected vehicle maneuvers occurred, NHTSA said.

Elon Musk buys $1 billion worth of Tesla stock

Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks on stage on June 19, 2024 in Cannes, France. NHTSA is investigating the company’s full self-driving mode (Richard Burd/WireImage/Getty Images)

“Some reported incidents appear to involve the FSD changing lanes to an opposite lane of travel without notice to the driver or opportunity to intervene,” NHTSA said.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving mode is classified as a partially autonomous system, meaning drivers are “fully responsible at all times for driving the vehicle, including compliance with applicable traffic laws,” according to NHTSA.

TESLA teases an announcement Tuesday with videos on social media

The Tesla Model Y is equipped with Level 2 self-driving capabilities. (Matteo Della Torre/Noor Photo/Getty Images)

According to Tesla’s website, “When enabled, your car will lead you almost anywhere with your active supervision, requiring minimal intervention.”

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from FOX Business.

Get FOX Business on the go by clicking here

In recent years, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has continued to set lofty goals for the company’s self-driving ambitions. Over the summer, the company began rolling out its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, a pilot program showcasing its latest fully self-driving software.