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Tesla’s FSD Software Under Investigation After Railroad Incident

Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun a formal inquiry into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in response to reports of unsafe driving practices. The agency aims to determine how Tesla’s semi-autonomous system handles critical traffic situations, including railroad crossings and intersections. This inquiry covers approximately 2.9 million vehicles equipped with FSD technology.

According to NHTSA, several drivers have filed complaints about Tesla vehicles allegedly running red lights, drifting into opposing lanes, or failing to stop at railroad crossings. The agency stated that its investigation would examine how FSD performs in these conditions and whether it provides drivers with enough time to react when the system makes an error.

Safety Concerns Spark Attention

Tesla car towing at railway crossing

Instagram | @cambobiz | Tesla faces national concern after multiple self driving incidents at railroad crossings.

Concerns over FSD technology intensified after an NBC News investigation revealed videos of Tesla vehicles allegedly failing to stop at active railroad crossings. The footage showed instances where flashing lights and lowering gates did not prompt the cars to halt, raising serious safety questions. In response to that report, two U.S. senators urged federal authorities to take immediate action.

NHTSA confirmed that it identified at least 18 complaints and one media report describing Tesla vehicles that did not stop for red lights or accurately display traffic signal information.

In six cases, the cars were involved in collisions at intersections, and four of those crashes resulted in injuries. The agency noted that several incidents occurred at the same Maryland intersection, where Tesla reportedly made adjustments to address the problem.

Tesla’s Response and Ongoing Updates

Neither Tesla nor its CEO, Elon Musk, has publicly commented on the new investigation. At the same time, Tesla’s official driver manual continues to clarify that Full Self-Driving does not make its vehicles fully autonomous.

The company stresses that drivers must remain alert and ready to take control at any time. In fact, Tesla even modified the product’s name in some updates to include the term “Supervised,” reinforcing that responsibility lies with the driver.

Despite these disclaimers, Musk has repeatedly promoted FSD as a major step toward complete autonomy. For instance, in August, he stated on social media that Tesla vehicles “can drive themselves,” a claim that experts say remains unproven.Also, Musk continues to tie the company’s future to the software’s success, referring to FSD as a key component in Tesla’s plans for a fleet of driverless robotaxis.

Expanding the Scope of the Inquiry

Tesla dashboard with autopilot engaged

Instagram | @craigzsf | Regulators examine Tesla FSD software for safety issues at intersections and crossings.

The investigation will assess how Tesla’s system detects and responds to traffic signals, railroad warnings, and lane boundaries. NHTSA noted that most problematic behavior occurs at intersections but will also examine other traffic environments where errors might happen. The agency aims to determine whether Tesla’s software design creates unsafe conditions or fails to alert drivers properly.

The inquiry is currently preliminary. Possible outcomes may include no action, a mandatory update, or a recall of the FSD software. Tesla recently released version 14 of FSD, though it remains unclear how it performs under the conditions highlighted by NHTSA.

Potential Impact on Tesla

The inquiry could significantly impact Tesla’s reputation and its progress toward full autonomy. Regulators are under increasing pressure to scrutinize automated driving systems, and confirmed flaws may trigger heightened oversight and costly software revisions.

Meanwhile, Tesla owners are urged to use FSD cautiously and stay attentive behind the wheel. This case underscores the delicate balance between innovation and accountability in the pursuit of autonomous driving.

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