NHTSA investigates Tesla FSD over crashes in reduced visibility, including a fatality

[REGULATORY ACTION]

Oct 18, 2024 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA

Failure Mode

REGULATORY ACTION

Event Date

Oct 18, 2024

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 ODI investigation PE24031 (opened Oct 18 2024): FSD failed to detect/alert in reduced-visibility conditions (sun glare, fog, airborne dust); initial 4 crashes including a fatal Nov 2023 pedestrian strike, later expanded to 9; upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (reported Mar 18 2026). Cap-flag: the EA upgrade + ~3.2M fleet figure are trade-press-reported, not primary-PDF-confirmed; units estimate.

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)

Operational Sectors

Physical AI / Robotics

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2026/03/20/862650.htm

    https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2026/03/20/862650.htm

  • https://www.cbtnews.com/nhtsa-escalates-tesla-fsd-investigation/

    https://www.cbtnews.com/nhtsa-escalates-tesla-fsd-investigation/

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in NHTSA investigates Tesla FSD over crashes in reduced visibility, including a fatality?

NHTSA ODI investigation PE24031 (opened Oct 18 2024): FSD failed to detect/alert in reduced-visibility conditions (sun glare, fog, airborne dust); initial 4 crashes including a fatal Nov 2023 pedestrian strike, later expanded to 9; upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (reported Mar 18 2026). Cap-flag: the EA upgrade + ~3.2M fleet figure are trade-press-reported, not primary-PDF-confirmed; units estimate.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on October 18, 2024 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 investigates Tesla FSD over crashes in reduced visibility, including a fatality?

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

Has anyone responded to NHTSA investigates Tesla FSD over crashes in reduced visibility, including a fatality?

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 investigates Tesla FSD over crashes in reduced visibility, including a fatality?

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