Tesla Faces Federal Probe Over Delayed Crash Reporting for Autopilot-Related Incidents
Tesla is under scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for potentially delaying crash reports involving its driver-assist systems.
In a recent federal filing, NHTSA raised concerns that Tesla reported crashes months after they occurred—well beyond the mandated timeframe of one to five days after being notified.
What's Being Investigated?
Many Tesla vehicles use Autopilot—a system designed for highway driving—and the beta version of Full Self-Driving (FSD), intended to help drivers on both city streets and highways. While helpful, both features require a fully attentive human driver ready to take control.
NHTSA’s investigation focuses on whether Tesla followed federal guidelines for reporting accidents involving these systems.
Tesla claims it’s made improvements in collecting and reporting data, and NHTSA plans to audit the company’s records to verify those fixes.
Bigger Picture: Image & Regulation
This probe could hurt Tesla’s vision of autonomous vehicles as the future of its business—something investors were hopeful would be fast-tracked under the current administration. Despite Elon Musk’s past political ties, his influence seems to be waning as scrutiny increases.
Earlier this month, Tesla was ordered to pay $329 million in a wrongful-death lawsuit over a 2019 Autopilot crash. The company plans to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is working to streamline accident reporting to ease burdens on automakers while maintaining safety oversight.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Who’s Investigating? | NHTSA is reviewing Tesla’s compliance with crash-reporting deadlines. |
| What Systems Involved? | Autopilot and Full Self-Driving in Tesla cars |
| Tesla's Response | Claims it has updated its reporting process; audits are forthcoming. |
| Regulatory Context | Reporting standards for autonomous vehicles are being reviewed and simplified. |
| Legal Challenge | Tesla lost a $329 million wrongful-death suit but plans to appeal. |