Tesla Under Growing NHTSA Scrutiny as Full Self‑Driving Probe Expands into Low‑Visibility

Tesla’s latest brush with regulators comes as NHTSA expands its inquiry into the automaker’s Full Self‑Driving (FSD) suite to include “low‑visibility” scenarios such as fog, heavy rain and night‑time driving. The agency’s broadened focus now covers every model in Tesla’s lineup that can run the FSD software—Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and the upcoming Cybertruck—according to a CNBC report. The move follows earlier probes that zeroed in on traffic‑violation incidents captured in dash‑cam footage, and it signals that the regulator is seeking a more granular picture of how the system behaves when visual cues are compromised.

NHTSA’s deepening probe is not limited to a handful of vehicles; it now spans roughly 3.2 million Teslas equipped with the FSD package, as detailed in a Reuters article. The agency has asked Tesla to provide detailed data on how its driver‑assistance algorithms interpret and react to reduced‑visibility conditions, and it has granted the company a five‑week extension to comply with the request. This extension, also reported by Reuters, underscores the regulator’s intent to gather comprehensive evidence before deciding whether to issue a formal safety recall or impose further penalties.

The investigation arrives at a time when Tesla’s FSD claims have drawn both consumer enthusiasm and skeptical scrutiny. The Verge noted that the company has been “facing an investigation over Full Self‑Driving traffic violations,” highlighting the broader context of ongoing regulatory pressure. While Tesla maintains that its system is designed to assist drivers rather than replace them, the agency’s focus on low‑visibility performance raises questions about the adequacy of driver‑monitoring safeguards when sensors must rely heavily on radar and ultrasonic inputs instead of clear camera feeds.

Industry observers have pointed out that the probe could have ripple effects across the autonomous‑vehicle market, where competitors are racing to certify their own driver‑assistance suites. If NHTSA concludes that Tesla’s FSD software does not meet safety standards under adverse weather, the regulator could mandate software updates, impose usage restrictions, or even require a recall of affected vehicles. Such outcomes would not only impact Tesla’s reputation but also set a precedent for how the U.S. auto‑safety authority evaluates advanced driver‑assist technologies in real‑world conditions.

For now, Tesla has not publicly commented on the expanded scope of the investigation. The company’s typical response to regulatory inquiries has been to emphasize ongoing software improvements and the importance of driver attentiveness. As the five‑week deadline approaches, the automotive world will be watching closely to see whether the data Tesla provides satisfies NHTSA’s concerns, or whether the agency will take the next step toward more stringent enforcement.