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NHTSA opens special investigation into fatal Tesla Model 3 crash into Katy, Texas home that killed Martha Avila (June 19 2026)

[REGULATORY ACTION]

Jun 22, 2026 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA

All Incidents

Failure Mode

REGULATORY ACTION

Event Date

Jun 22, 2026

Primary Entity

Tesla

Robotic Platform

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)

Jurisdiction / Location

Orlando, Florida, USA

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

NHTSA opened a special investigation on June 22, 2026 into a Tesla Model 3 crash on June 19 in Katy, Texas (near Houston) that killed 76-year-old Martha Avila inside her home. The driver told the Harris County Sheriff's Office he was using an automated driving feature (FSD).

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

TeslaView Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)

Operational Sectors

Humanoids

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-opens-probe-into-fatal-tesla-crash-into-texas-home-2026-06-22/

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-opens-probe-into-fatal-tesla-crash-into-texas-home-2026-06-22/

  • https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/22/tesla-nhtsa-model-3-crash-autopilot-katy-texas.html

    https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/22/tesla-nhtsa-model-3-crash-autopilot-katy-texas.html

  • https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/business/tesla-texas-autopilot-crash-nhtsa.html

    https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/business/tesla-texas-autopilot-crash-nhtsa.html

  • https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

    https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in NHTSA opens special investigation into fatal Tesla Model 3 crash into Katy, Texas home that killed Martha Avila (June 19 2026)?

NHTSA opened a special investigation on June 22, 2026 into a Tesla Model 3 crash on June 19 in Katy, Texas (near Houston) that killed 76-year-old Martha Avila inside her home. The driver told the Harris County Sheriff's Office he was using an automated driving feature (FSD). NHTSA has opened 46 special crash investigations involving Teslas using self-driving or driver-assistance technology over the past decade, with more than a dozen involving fatalities. The driver was later charged with manslaughter on July 1, 2026.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on June 22, 2026 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

What robot was involved in NHTSA opens special investigation into fatal Tesla Model 3 crash into Katy, Texas home that killed Martha Avila (June 19 2026)?

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) by Tesla is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Orlando, Florida, USA.

Has anyone responded to NHTSA opens special investigation into fatal Tesla Model 3 crash into Katy, Texas home that killed Martha Avila (June 19 2026)?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

What is the current status of NHTSA opens special investigation into fatal Tesla Model 3 crash into Katy, Texas home that killed Martha Avila (June 19 2026)?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.