NHTSA Probes Tesla FSD Amid Safety Concerns and Robotaxi Rollout

The **National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)** is a U.S. federal agency under the Department of Transportation dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and economic costs resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Established to enforce and develop safety standards, NHTSA writes and enforces the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), which regulate vehicle safety features, theft resistance, and fuel economy as part of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program[1][2]. Since its inception with FMVSS 209 in 1967, NHTSA has played a crucial role in licensing vehicle manufacturers and importers, regulating vehicle imports and safety-related parts, and administering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system. It also develops crash test dummies and protocols used for safety testing, enabling rigorous evaluation of vehicle crashworthiness and occupant protection[1]. The agency’s authority extends to investigating safety defects, overseeing vehicle recalls, and enforcing fuel economy standards[3][7]. NHTSA’s mission focuses on saving lives through a multifaceted approach that combines education, research, safety standards, and enforcement. It provides consumer tools such as 5-Star Safety Ratings to guide vehicle purchases, recall check systems, and road safety tips. The agency actively supports state and local law enforcement in enforcing traffic laws and promotes the use of safety technologies like seat belts, child safety seats, and airbags[2][3][7]. Research is a cornerstone of NHTSA’s work, including studies on crash avoidance, human injury mechanisms, risky driving behaviors, and emerging vehicle technologies such as alternative fuel vehicles. The agency collaborates with other government bodies, industry, and safety advocates to accelerate the introduction of advanced safety technologies into the vehicle fleet[6]. Currently, NHTSA continues to lead in traffic safety innovation and enforcement, administering substantial grant programs to states for highway safety initiatives. It remains a vital force in improving U.S. road safety through regulatory leadership, scientific research, and public engagemen

Tesla, Inc. is a pioneering American electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy company headquartered in Texas, with a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy[1]. Founded in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, and later joined by Elon Musk, who became the company’s driving force and public face, Tesla has grown from a niche startup into a global leader in EVs, energy storage, and solar technology[1]. ## What Tesla Does Tesla designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance electric vehicles, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, and the upcoming affordable model[4]. Beyond automobiles, Tesla produces large-scale battery storage systems (Powerwall, Powerpack, Megapack) and solar energy products (Solar Roof, Solar Panels), aiming to create a fully integrated sustainable energy ecosystem[1]. The company operates six massive, vertically integrated factories across three continents, employing over 100,000 people who handle everything from design to service in-house[1]. ## History and Key Achievements Tesla’s breakthrough came with the 2008 launch of the Roadster, the first highway-legal all-electric sports car. The company then disrupted the auto industry with the Model S sedan (2012), which set new standards for EV range and performance. The Model 3, introduced in 2017, became the world’s best-selling electric car, proving that EVs could be both desirable and mass-market[1]. Tesla’s Gigafactories, sprawling production facilities, have enabled rapid scaling and cost reductions, while its proprietary Supercharger network has addressed range anxiety for drivers. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects In 2025, Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, producing over 447,000 vehicles and delivering nearly 497,000 in Q3 alone[5]. The company has avoided over 20 million metric tons of CO₂