Tesla Under Investigation After Fatal Crash May Have Involved Autopilot System, Report Says

Topline

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model Y earlier this year, according to Reuters, after the agency suspected the vehicle was relying on its Autopilot system—marking the latest probe into Tesla’s self-driving system amid scrutiny from auto regulators and the Justice Department.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into a fatal crash … [+] involving a Tesla Model Y earlier this year.

Key Facts

The agency said Thursday it was opening a special crash investigation into a July 19 crash involving the Tesla vehicle, whose driver died after crashing into a tractor-trailer truck in Warrenton, Virginia, according to Reuters, citing regulators.

The tractor-trailer was turning onto a highway from a truck stop before the Tesla struck its side and went underneath the truck, according to the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, though it is unknown whether the Tesla was operating on Autopilot.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.

Surprising Fact

The agency is investigating 35 crashes involving Tesla vehicles since 2016, according to the Associated Press. Regulators suspect each vehicle was operating on a partially automated driving system, though results from the probes have not been publicly released. An investigation was launched into another fatal crash last month, after a 2018 Model 3 suspected of relying on a self-driving system crashed into a 2013 Subaru Impreza, killing its 17-year-old driver. At least 17 people have died in the 35 crashes.

Tangent

In July, the agency launched an investigation into an estimated 830,000 Tesla cars in an effort to assess the automaker’s Autopilot system, following reports it caused some to crash into parked emergency vehicles. The probe covers Model Y, Model X, Model S and Model 3 vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2022.

Key Background

Tesla has faced scrutiny by federal regulators and the Justice Department over the company’s self-driving safety claims in recent years. More than 360,000 Tesla vehicles were recalled in February because of concerns the company’s Full Self-Driving feature could cause crashes. The NHTSA—which has investigated Tesla’s self-driving features since August 2021—previously said the features could cause problems, like running a stop sign or driving through an intersection without using caution at a yellow light. Tesla subsequently issued a software change, though the NHTSA’s investigation into the feature is ongoing. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Reuters the investigation was “moving as quickly as we responsibly can.” Other investigations have been launched into Tesla vehicles this year, including probes into the automaker’s steering wheels, seat belts and power steering.