NHTSA expands Tesla safety probes amid crash reports
NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s FSD software after crashes, including a fatal 2023 incident.
Sean Duffy, nominated to lead the US Transportation Department, stated he would allow the ongoing federal investigation into Tesla’s advanced driver assistance technology to proceed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a probe into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after multiple crashes, including a fatal 2023 incident.
Duffy affirmed he would not interfere with the investigation despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s ties to former president Donald Trump. During a Senate hearing, Duffy responded to Senator Ed Markey’s request for objectivity, assuring that the NHTSA would be able to operate independently.
NHTSA recently opened a separate investigation into Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature, following crashes where vehicles failed to detect obstacles while being moved remotely. The agency is also evaluating whether Tesla’s recall of over two million vehicles in December 2023 adequately addressed safety concerns, particularly drivers’ attentiveness while using Autopilot.
Duffy also indicated he would review the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed $633,000 fine against Musk’s SpaceX, linked to launch license violations.