NHTSA upgrades Tesla FSD probe to Engineering Analysis EA26002 covering 3.2M vehicles over reduced-visibility crashes
[REGULATORY ACTION]Mar 18, 2026 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA
Failure Mode
REGULATORY ACTION
Event Date
Mar 18, 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 escalated its Tesla Full Self-Driving investigation from Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031, opened Oct 17 2024) to Engineering Analysis EA26002 on March 18, 2026. Scope expanded to roughly 3.2 million 2016-2026 Model S, X, 3, Y, and Cybertruck vehicles. The EA examines whether FSD fails to detect and respond to reduced roadway visibility (sun glare, fog, airborne dust), covering nine documented incidents including one pedestrian fatality and one injury, with six additional potentially related incidents under review.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2026/INOA-EA26002-10023.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2026/INOA-EA26002-10023.pdf
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Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in NHTSA upgrades Tesla FSD probe to Engineering Analysis EA26002 covering 3.2M vehicles over reduced-visibility crashes?
NHTSA escalated its Tesla Full Self-Driving investigation from Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031, opened Oct 17 2024) to Engineering Analysis EA26002 on March 18, 2026. Scope expanded to roughly 3.2 million 2016-2026 Model S, X, 3, Y, and Cybertruck vehicles. The EA examines whether FSD fails to detect and respond to reduced roadway visibility (sun glare, fog, airborne dust), covering nine documented incidents including one pedestrian fatality and one injury, with six additional potentially related incidents under review.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on March 18, 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 upgrades Tesla FSD probe to Engineering Analysis EA26002 covering 3.2M vehicles over reduced-visibility crashes?
Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) by Tesla is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Orlando, Florida, USA.
Has anyone responded to NHTSA upgrades Tesla FSD probe to Engineering Analysis EA26002 covering 3.2M vehicles over reduced-visibility crashes?
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 upgrades Tesla FSD probe to Engineering Analysis EA26002 covering 3.2M vehicles over reduced-visibility crashes?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.