Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD), remain on public roads despite multiple, ongoing federal investigations into their safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the primary federal body conducting these probes, which focus on crashes involving Tesla vehicles where these systems were reportedly engaged.

The continued operation of this technology is rooted in the U.S. regulatory structure for automobiles. The federal government does not mandate pre-market approval for new driver-assistance technologies. Instead, automakers can self-certify that their vehicles meet existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This framework allows for the deployment of new systems like Autopilot while regulators monitor their real-world performance.

NHTSA Probes and Documented Incidents

The NHTSA has launched several investigations into Tesla’s Autopilot system. A significant probe began after a series of crashes in which Tesla vehicles struck stationary first responder vehicles. These investigations examine the performance of the driver-assistance technology in detecting and reacting to objects on the road. As part of its defect investigations, the agency has collected data from numerous crashes, some of which resulted in injuries and fatalities. In response to NHTSA’s findings, Tesla has issued recalls, which have been deployed as over-the-air software updates to address specific safety concerns identified by the agency.

System Classification and Driver Responsibility

Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features are classified as Level 2 driver-assistance systems by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This classification means the system can handle steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions, but it requires the driver to remain fully engaged, supervise the technology, and be prepared to take control at any moment. Tesla’s own manuals and on-screen alerts state that the driver is responsible for the vehicle’s operation. Regulators and safety advocates have scrutinized the names ‘Autopilot’ and ‘Full Self-Driving’, expressing concerns that they overstate the systems’ capabilities and may lead to driver inattention.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/13/business/tesla-self-driving-regulation