Tesla Faces Escalating Probe Over Self-Driving Crashes

Federal regulators examine Tesla's camera-only approach as company plans to launch steering-wheel-free Cybercab

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:48pm

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has escalated its probe of Tesla after several crashes involving the company's self-driving software, just as Tesla prepares to roll out new models with no steering wheel or pedals. The NHTSA is examining nine crashes where Tesla's self-driving cameras failed to quickly alert drivers to take control in poor visibility conditions.

Why it matters

Tesla's camera-only approach to autonomous driving has come under increased scrutiny from regulators, who are concerned about the safety of the company's self-driving technology, especially in challenging weather conditions. As Tesla pushes to expand its self-driving capabilities and launch a steering-wheel-free 'robotaxi' service, the outcome of this probe could have major implications for the company's future.

The details

The NHTSA probe has escalated to an 'engineering analysis,' a more serious level of scrutiny, as regulators examine nine crashes where Tesla's self-driving software failed to quickly alert drivers to take control in fog, sun glare, and other poor visibility conditions. Tesla has told regulators that three of the crashes would not have occurred with recent over-the-air software upgrades, but the agency remains concerned about the company's camera-only approach to autonomous driving, which differs from other automakers that supplement cameras with more expensive lidar sensors.

  • The NHTSA probe began in 2024 and has now escalated to an engineering analysis.
  • Tesla plans to launch production of its steering-wheel-free Cybercab model next month.

The players

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The federal agency responsible for vehicle safety and regulations in the United States.

Elon Musk

The CEO of Tesla, who has touted the company's self-driving capabilities and plans to launch a 'robotaxi' service with no steering wheel or pedals.

Tesla

The electric vehicle manufacturer that has faced increasing scrutiny over the safety of its self-driving technology.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The NHTSA probe could potentially lead to enforcement action, including a recall of 3.2 million Tesla vehicles, if the agency finds significant safety issues with the company's self-driving technology.

The takeaway

Tesla's reliance on camera-only autonomous driving technology has come under increased scrutiny from regulators, raising questions about the safety of the company's self-driving features, especially in poor visibility conditions. As Tesla pushes to expand its self-driving capabilities and launch new models without steering wheels or pedals, the outcome of this probe could have major implications for the company's future.