Tesla FSD Red Light & Lane Crossing Complaints Surge

NHTSA Investigates Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Software

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented at least 80 instances where Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software reportedly breached traffic regulations. These violations include instances of running red lights and improper lane changes, as detailed in a recent communication to the vehicle manufacturer.

Reported Violations and Complaints

According to NHTSA’s letter, the agency has gathered 62 complaints directly from Tesla drivers. Additionally, they’ve received 14 reports originating from Tesla itself, and four accounts from media sources. These reports suggest potential safety concerns related to the software’s performance.

This figure represents an increase from the approximately 50 violations initially cited when the investigation was launched in October. The investigation centers on the software’s behavior and potential risks.

Focus of the Investigation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), a division of NHTSA, is currently assessing whether Tesla’s driver assistance system can reliably recognize and react to traffic signals, road signs, and lane markings.

ODI is also evaluating the adequacy of warnings provided to drivers when the software encounters potentially hazardous situations. Tesla is required to submit a response to these inquiries by January 19, 2026.

Geographic Distribution of Incidents

The rise in reported incidents is particularly noteworthy considering that the initial reports in October were concentrated around a single intersection in Joppa, Maryland. Tesla previously stated that corrective measures had been implemented to address issues at that specific location.

However, the agency has not disclosed the geographic locations of these newly reported occurrences. Tesla routinely redacts significant portions of its submissions to the agency, limiting transparency.

Musk’s Statement and NHTSA’s Response

This new letter from NHTSA arrives concurrently with a statement from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that the latest iteration of FSD would permit drivers to text while utilizing the driver assistance software.

Such functionality would be illegal in the vast majority of states. NHTSA has yet to issue a public response to Musk’s claim.

Information Requests to Tesla

The letter serves as the initial step in the information-gathering phase for NHTSA. It outlines a series of requests directed to Tesla, seeking comprehensive data related to the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system.

Specifically, the agency is requesting data on the number of Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD, as well as the frequency with which the software is activated.

ODI is also requesting all customer complaints received by Tesla concerning these specific FSD issues. This includes complaints from fleet operators and information from any ongoing lawsuits or arbitration proceedings.

Previous Investigations

This marks the second investigation initiated by NHTSA into Tesla’s FSD software. A separate probe, commenced in October 2024, focuses on the software’s performance in challenging visibility conditions, such as fog or intense sunlight.