Update: Feds Report Rising Complaints of Tesla FSD Running Red Lights and Crossing Lanes
Federal safety regulators have uncovered a growing number of complaints involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver assistance system allegedly running red lights and crossing into opposing lanes, according to a new letter sent to the automaker this week. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it has now identified at least 80 instances in which Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) software may have violated traffic laws, signaling a significant escalation in concerns over the system’s real-world performance and safety.
The latest findings come as part of an ongoing investigation into whether Tesla’s FSD software can reliably detect and respond to traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. The probe, which began in October 2025, is focused on incidents where Teslas with FSD engaged allegedly failed to stop at red lights, crossed double-yellow lines, entered oncoming traffic, or attempted turns from the wrong lanes. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is also evaluating whether the system provides drivers with sufficient warnings before making such maneuvers.
NHTSA Identifies 80 Potential FSD Violations
In a detailed letter to Tesla, NHTSA’s ODI outlined that it has now documented at least 80 potential traffic law violations linked to the use of FSD (Supervised). These incidents include vehicles proceeding through red traffic signals, crossing into opposing lanes of travel, and driving against the proper direction on public roadways.
The agency based its count on 62 consumer complaints, 14 reports submitted by Tesla under its Standing General Order (SGO) obligations, and four media reports describing potential violations. This marks a sharp increase from the 18 complaints, six Tesla reports, and one media report cited when the investigation was first opened in October.
Among the most serious incidents, NHTSA identified six SGO reports in which a Tesla with FSD engaged approached an intersection with a red light, continued into the intersection, and collided with other vehicles. Four of these crashes resulted in injuries, though none involved fatalities. The agency also noted multiple reports of Teslas crossing double-yellow lines, entering oncoming traffic, or attempting to turn onto roads in the wrong direction despite clear signage.
Investigation Focuses on Detection and Driver Warnings
NHTSA’s investigation is examining two primary failure modes associated with Tesla’s FSD system. The first involves vehicles failing to stop at red traffic signals or remaining stopped, instead proceeding into intersections against the light. The second centers on FSD commanding lane changes into opposing lanes of traffic, sometimes with little or no warning to the driver.
The agency is particularly concerned about whether Tesla’s software can “accurately detect and appropriately respond to traffic signals, signs and lane markings,” especially in complex urban environments. It is also scrutinizing whether the system provides adequate alerts and opportunities for drivers to intervene before potentially dangerous maneuvers occur.
Some complaints allege that FSD executed lane changes into oncoming traffic with minimal notice, leaving drivers with little time to react. Others describe vehicles going straight through intersections from turn-only lanes or making turns from lanes designated for through traffic, despite clear lane markings and signals. NHTSA notes that some incidents involved multiple failure types, so the numbers are not cumulative.
Tesla’s Response and Musk’s Controversial Claims
Tesla has been given until January 19, 2026, to respond to NHTSA’s latest letter with detailed information about the incidents, software behavior, and any corrective actions taken. The automaker has previously stated that its FSD system is classified as a partially autonomous driver assistance feature, meaning drivers remain fully responsible for operating the vehicle and complying with traffic laws.
In a related development, Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently claimed on social media that the latest version of FSD will allow drivers to “text and drive” while the system is engaged. That statement has drawn widespread criticism, as texting while driving is illegal in nearly every U.S. state and contradicts NHTSA’s emphasis on active driver supervision. The federal agency has not yet publicly commented on Musk’s remarks, but the timing has intensified scrutiny over Tesla’s marketing and safety messaging around FSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system?
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is a driver assistance system that offers advanced features like automated lane changes, traffic light and stop sign control, and navigation on city streets. It is classified as a Level 2 partial automation system, meaning the driver must remain fully attentive and ready to take control at all times.
How many incidents of FSD running red lights has NHTSA found?
NHTSA has identified at least 80 potential traffic law violations involving Tesla vehicles operating with FSD engaged, including running red lights and crossing into opposing lanes. This includes 62 consumer complaints, 14 Tesla reports, and four media reports.
Has NHTSA opened a formal investigation into Tesla FSD?
Yes. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has opened a preliminary evaluation into Tesla’s FSD software, focusing on its ability to detect and respond to traffic signals, signs, and lane markings, as well as whether it provides sufficient warnings to drivers before potentially dangerous maneuvers.
Have any crashes or injuries been linked to FSD in this probe?
Yes. NHTSA has identified six incidents where a Tesla with FSD engaged proceeded through a red light and collided with other vehicles, resulting in four crashes that caused injuries. None of the incidents in the current investigation’s scope involved fatalities.
What is Tesla required to do in response to NHTSA’s letter?
Tesla must respond to NHTSA’s latest letter by January 19, 2026, providing detailed information about the reported incidents, software behavior, and any actions taken to address the issues. The agency will use this data to determine whether a recall or other regulatory action is warranted.
Is it legal to text and drive while using Tesla’s FSD?
No. Texting while driving is illegal in nearly every U.S. state, regardless of whether a driver assistance system like FSD is engaged. Tesla’s own documentation states that drivers must remain fully responsible for operating the vehicle and complying with traffic laws at all times.