U.S. auto safety regulator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday that it is opening an investigation into nearly 2.4 million Tesla Inc. TSLA vehicles on the heels of reports of four crashes where its full self-driving (FSD) partial driving automation system was engaged.
What Happened: The regulator said that it has identified four crash reports in which a Tesla experienced a crash after entering an area of “reduced roadway visibility” with FSD engaged. The reduced visibility, the regulator said, was caused by sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.
In one of the crashes, the vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian, the regulator added.
The investigation, NHTSA said, will assess FSD’s ability to detect and respond to reduced visibility and will also determine whether any other crashes have occurred when FSD was deployed under reduced visibility conditions.
The investigation pertains to an estimated 2.4 million Tesla vehicles, including its latest offering – the Cybertruck.
Why It Matters: Earlier this month, Tesla unveiled a 2-seat Cybercab and a 20-seater Robovan without pedals or steering wheels aimed at autonomous driving.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at the event that the company will start autonomous driving with its Model 3 and Model Y in Texas and California next year and the Cybercab will join the autonomous fleet in 2026 or before 2027.
Musk is hopeful that FSD will allow autonomous driving with future iterations of the software. However, the CEO is known for overestimating the capabilities of his companies’ products and providing overambitious timelines.
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