Tesla's Self-Driving Technology Under Intense Scrutiny After Safety Probe Deepens

The United States auto safety agency has intensified its investigation into Tesla's driver-assistance systems. The investigation aims to assess how well these systems identify degraded road conditions, following nine accidents linked to the technology, with one proving fatal.

This probe encompasses about 3.2 million vehicles and includes multiple models. The regulator's action could lead to recalls or other measures should a safety defect be found. Tesla's hopes of launching fully autonomous vehicles and robotaxis largely depend on the effectiveness of its Full Self-Driving system.

The focus is on Tesla's 'degradation detection' software, which is intended to alert drivers of reduced visibility. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expressed concerns that Tesla's system, even after software updates, did not sufficiently detect visibility issues or warn drivers promptly. The system's failure to recognize impairments was noted in multiple investigations of collisions.