Tesla—NHTSA opened investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles over FSD crashes in low-visibility conditions
In October 2024, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation of 2.4 million Tesla vehicles (2016-2024 model years) over the safety of Full Self-Driving technology. The probe was triggered by four FSD-engaged collisions in low-visibility conditions (glare, fog, dust), including a November 2023 fatality in Rimrock, Arizona where a 71-year-old pedestrian was killed by a FSD-equipped Model Y. NHTSA also expressed concern in November 2024 that Tesla was endorsing distracted driving with FSD in its social media messaging.
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Safety | -against | primary | -1.00 |
| Consumer Protection | -against | primary | -1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | -0.497 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (high ×1.5) × confidence (0.66)× agency (negligent ×0.5)
Evidence (2 signals)
NPR reported NHTSA FSD probe after 71-year-old pedestrian killed in Arizona by Tesla with FSD engaged
NPR reported on the October 2024 NHTSA investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system covering 2.4 million vehicles. The investigation was prompted by four FSD-engaged collisions in reduced visibility conditions. The fatal crash occurred on November 27, 2023 on Interstate 17 in Rimrock, Arizona, where Karl Stock's FSD-equipped 2021 Model Y struck 71-year-old pedestrian who was pronounced dead at the scene.
NHTSA opened FSD safety probe covering 2.4 million Tesla vehicles after fatal crash and low-visibility collisions
On October 17, 2024, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation of 2.4 million Teslas (2016-2024) over FSD safety. The probe identified four FSD-engaged collisions in low-visibility conditions including a November 2023 pedestrian fatality in Arizona. NHTSA also expressed concern about Tesla endorsing distracted FSD use in social media.