NHTSA widens investigation into Tesla’s FSD after 80 traffic-law violations

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded its probe into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) after identifying at least 80 traffic-law violations linked to the software. The incidents involve behavior with clear safety implications: running red lights, misreading lane boundaries, and moving into oncoming traffic.

According to the agency, it has received 62 complaints from Tesla owners, 14 reports from the company, and four submissions from the media. That exceeds the roughly 50 incidents cited when the inquiry began in October. The Office of Defects Investigation is assessing whether FSD correctly recognizes traffic signals, signs, and lane markings, and whether the system warns drivers in time. Tesla must provide expanded data by January 19, 2026, including the number of vehicles with FSD, how frequently it is used, and the full set of customer complaints.

Many of the company’s filings are typically submitted with extensive redactions, leaving gaps that make independent assessment harder. Against that backdrop, Elon Musk said on social media that a new version of FSD would let drivers send messages while operating the car—an idea that conflicts with laws in nearly all U.S. states. NHTSA has not commented on the statement; the timing, however, does little to strengthen confidence in FSD while the safety questions are still on the table.