The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a broad investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot and Full-Service Driving systems. This probe is the latest in a series of investigations triggered by high-profile accidents, but it comes with an added focus on how these systems interact with everyday driving scenarios. 

So, what does this investigation mean for Tesla drivers? Here’s what you need to know. 

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Key Takeaways: 

• The NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems after reports of crashes and traffic violations. 
• Drivers have reported serious issues, such as running red lights and unsafe lane changes, which may indicate deeper system flaws. 
• If these problems continue and Tesla can’t repair them, affected vehicles could qualify for protection under California’s lemon law.

Why Is the NHTSA Investigating Tesla’s Driver Assistance System?

This probe didn’t come out of nowhere; the NHTSA has reportedly been collecting complaints for years about how Tesla’s driver assistance systems behave in real-world situations. Although FSD is marketed as a sophisticated tool, it still requires drivers to remain fully alert, and many recent reports suggest that the system may not consistently adhere to basic traffic rules. 

This isn’t Tesla’s first run-in with regulators. Autopilot and other advanced features have been subject to NHTSA investigations multiple times, especially after high-profile crashes. The difference this time is the broad scope of the investigation and the number of traffic-law violations tied directly to FSD. 

Whatever NHTSA decides could influence how all automakers build and market similar technology in the future. 

What Have Owners Reported?

Many drivers say the car occasionally acts in ways that don’t align with what’s happening around it. 

A few common complaints include: 

• Running red lights: Some owners report that their cars fail to recognize red lights entirely. 
• Dangerous lane changes: A number of drivers reported sudden moves toward lanes with oncoming traffic. 
• Inconsistent behavior: Many describe the system as “hit or miss,” noting that it may work smoothly one moment and then misread a situation the next. 

How Is Tesla Responding to the Investigation?

Tesla has released software updates aimed at improving how FSD handles traffic lights, lane selection, and other decision-making tasks. However, it’s still unclear whether these updates fully resolve the issues drivers have raised.  

The company continues to stress that FSD is a driver-assistance feature rather than a fully autonomous system, and that drivers must stay engaged at all times. Critics argue that the name “Full Self Driving” itself can be misleading because some users believe the system can do more than it actually can. 

Could These Issues Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim?

Because FSD-related problems can directly affect safety and driveability, they could meet the threshold for a lemon law case, especially if software updates haven’t resolved the issues. California’s lemon law protects owners and lessees whose 2020 or newer vehicles have significant defects that the manufacturer can’t repair within a reasonable number of attempts. 

If Tesla’s software updates haven’t fixed the problem, or if your vehicle feels unsafe to drive, it may be worth exploring your legal options. 

Think Your Tesla Might Be a Lemon? Get in Touch

If you’re dealing with repeated FSD problems or other safety concerns that your vehicle’s manufacturer has been unable to fix, contact our California lemon law firm today! Norman Taylor & Associates has been handling lemon law cases for over three decades. 

Call 818-244-3905 to schedule your FREE consultation and let us help you figure out the next best step toward getting the resolution you deserve. 

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✓ Content checked by the lemon law attorneys at Norman Taylor & Associates