The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla over potential discrepancies in crash reporting related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. According to reports, the agency is scrutinizing whether Tesla has accurately and promptly reported incidents involving these driver assistance features.

U.S. regulations require automakers to report crashes involving autonomous and semi-autonomous systems within five days of occurrence. However, NHTSA alleges that Tesla sometimes delayed reporting for months, despite the fact that Tesla’s vehicles are equipped with advanced data logging capabilities that automatically record and transmit crash information almost immediately. Tesla has acknowledged some issues, attributing delays to system errors that it claims have now been corrected.

This investigation adds to existing scrutiny of Tesla’s safety practices. The agency is also examining Tesla’s remote parking feature, which has been linked to several accidents, and the effectiveness of recent software updates following a large-scale recall. NHTSA’s ongoing inquiries reflect broader concerns about transparency and safety standards in the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology.

Tesla’s safety record has come under heightened scrutiny following a recent wrongful death lawsuit, where internal testimonies revealed the company misled authorities and the public about crash data. Tesla dominates the market for driver assistance-related incidents, with over 2,300 crashes reported to NHTSA between 2021 and 2024—far exceeding other automakers, such as General Motors, which reported only 55 incidents in the same period.

For further insights into vehicle safety regulations and autonomous vehicle data reporting, official resources such as the NHTSA website and the Society of Automotive Engineers provide comprehensive guidance and standards.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com