The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a new investigation into Tesla following several reported crashes involving vehicles using its self-driving and Autopilot systems. The probe comes amid growing concerns that the automaker’s technology may not be as reliable or safe as its marketing claims suggest.

Regulators Examine Tesla’s Self-Driving Technology

According to reports, the NHTSA is analyzing incidents where Tesla vehicles, operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD) or Autopilot mode, were involved in collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects. Some of these crashes reportedly resulted in injuries, reigniting questions over how the system monitors driver attention and responds to changing road conditions.

The agency is assessing whether Tesla’s safety measures—particularly driver monitoring and automatic braking—are sufficient to prevent avoidable accidents.

Musk’s Claims Under Fresh Scrutiny

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long touted the company’s self-driving software as a revolutionary step toward fully autonomous vehicles, often emphasizing its potential to outperform human drivers. Musk recently referred to FSD as “mind-blowing,” asserting that it was capable of handling most real-world scenarios.

However, critics and safety advocates argue that Tesla’s system still requires constant human supervision, and that Musk’s language could mislead consumers into overestimating the technology’s capabilities.

Previous Investigations and Controversies

This is not Tesla’s first encounter with federal scrutiny. The NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have previously investigated several fatal crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot. The agencies have repeatedly raised concerns that drivers may be lulled into a false sense of security, leading to inattention behind the wheel.

Tesla has defended its system, claiming that data supports a lower crash rate when Autopilot is engaged compared to manual driving. Nonetheless, regulators continue to demand more transparency about how Tesla gathers and interprets this data.

Safety and Accountability in the Spotlight

The outcome of this new investigation could significantly impact Tesla’s future in the autonomous driving sector. If regulators find systemic flaws in its self-driving technology or its safety protocols, the company could face recalls, fines, or tighter restrictions on the rollout of its software.

The probe also highlights the broader debate around the ethics and safety of deploying partially autonomous vehicles on public roads, especially when human drivers remain a critical part of the control loop.

What’s Next for Tesla?

As the investigation unfolds, Tesla’s ability to maintain consumer trust and regulatory approval will be tested. Analysts say that while Musk’s vision for a self-driving future remains ambitious, ensuring safety and compliance is now more crucial than ever.