NHTSA sends Tesla 24-part information demand in EA26002, requesting internal 'Radar Saves Us' document on vision-only FSD limitations
[REGULATORY ACTION]Jul 2, 2026 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA
Failure Mode
REGULATORY ACTION
Event Date
Jul 2, 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
On July 2, 2026, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation sent Tesla a 24-part information request (ID EA26002-01) as part of the Engineering Analysis into Full Self-Driving crashes in reduced-visibility conditions. The demand specifically calls out an internal Tesla document titled 'Radar Saves Us,' which appears relevant to Tesla's decision to remove radar and rely on a vision-only system. Tesla's response is due August 12, 2026.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2026/INIM-EA26002-14414.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2026/INIM-EA26002-14414.pdf
- Inspect Filing
https://electrek.co/2026/07/21/nhtsa-tesla-radar-saves-us-document-fsd-probe/
https://electrek.co/2026/07/21/nhtsa-tesla-radar-saves-us-document-fsd-probe/
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Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in NHTSA sends Tesla 24-part information demand in EA26002, requesting internal 'Radar Saves Us' document on vision-only FSD limitations?
On July 2, 2026, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation sent Tesla a 24-part information request (ID EA26002-01) as part of the Engineering Analysis into Full Self-Driving crashes in reduced-visibility conditions. The demand specifically calls out an internal Tesla document titled 'Radar Saves Us,' which appears relevant to Tesla's decision to remove radar and rely on a vision-only system. Tesla's response is due August 12, 2026.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on July 2, 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 sends Tesla 24-part information demand in EA26002, requesting internal 'Radar Saves Us' document on vision-only FSD limitations?
Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) by Tesla is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Orlando, Florida, USA.
Has anyone responded to NHTSA sends Tesla 24-part information demand in EA26002, requesting internal 'Radar Saves Us' document on vision-only FSD limitations?
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 sends Tesla 24-part information demand in EA26002, requesting internal 'Radar Saves Us' document on vision-only FSD limitations?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.