2024 Tesla Full Self Driving Investigation: What You Should Know

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a new investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature after multiple crashes were reported in conditions of reduced visibility.

Approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles are under review, including the 2016-2024 Model S and Model X, the 2017-2024 Model 3, the 2020-2024 Model Y, and the 2023-2024 Cybertruck, all equipped with FSD.

The investigation was prompted by at least four accidents, one of which resulted in a pedestrian fatality. The NHTSA’s goal is to assess whether Tesla’s FSD technology can effectively detect and respond to these hazardous situations.

As questions about the reliability of autonomous driving systems continue to grow, this inquiry may reveal important details about the risks Tesla drivers are facing when using self-driving features.

Why is the NHTSA Investigating Tesla’s Full Self Driving Feature?

The NHTSA has initiated an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature due to several reported crashes occurring under conditions of reduced visibility.

These incidents took place in environments affected by sun glare, fog, or airborne dust, potentially impairing the vehicles’ ability to detect and respond appropriately.

In November 2023, a pedestrian was tragically killed in Rimrock, Arizona, after being struck by a 2021 Tesla Model Y.

Another incident involving reported injuries is also under scrutiny, raising serious safety concerns about the technology’s effectiveness in challenging driving conditions.

A primary focus of the NHTSA’s investigation is the performance of the FSD system in situations where visibility is compromised.

The agency is examining whether Tesla’s autonomous system can adequately detect obstacles and navigate hazards in such environments.

Additionally, NHTSA is reviewing any updates or modifications Tesla may have made to the FSD system that could impact its safety in low-visibility scenarios.

Beyond evaluating the technology itself, the NHTSA is assessing the robustness of the engineering controls integrated into the FSD system.

These controls are vital for preventing accidents, and the agency is questioning whether they are sufficient to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians during adverse conditions.

The NHTSA is also investigating whether other similar FSD-related crashes have occurred in reduced visibility situations and if Tesla has made any changes that might influence performance in these contexts.

In October 2023, Tesla disclosed that the U.S. Justice Department had issued subpoenas regarding its FSD and Autopilot systems, with Tesla reportedly under criminal investigation.

These investigations are part of wider efforts by regulatory agencies to enhance the safety of advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies.

Given the widespread use of Tesla’s FSD feature, the outcomes of this inquiry could significantly impact the future of autonomous vehicles and the development of safer driving technologies.

This new investigation follows Tesla’s recall of approximately two million vehicles in December 2022 due to concerns with its autopilot system.

Which Tesla Vehicles Utilize Full Self Driving?

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is available across several of its popular models. These include the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Cybertruck, and the Model Y. The following years and models are included in NHTSA’s investigation.

1. Model S (2016-2024)
2. Model X (2016-2024)
3. Model 3 (2017-2024)
4. Model Y (2020-2024)
5. Cybertruck (2023-2024)

These vehicles can have Full Self-Driving (FSD) installed either at the time of purchase or added later via a subscription, assuming they possess the required hardware for this capability.

According to Tesla’s website, the existing Autopilot and FSD (Supervised) features need active supervision by the driver and do not render the vehicle fully autonomous.

Have There Been Any Full Self Driving Recalls?

Yes, Tesla has issued several recalls related to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature–we’ve written about a previous Tesla FSD recall in this blog post.

In February 2023, Tesla recalled nearly 363,000 vehicles equipped with FSD to fix problems with the system disregarding posted speed limits and behaving improperly at street intersections.

This recall affected a wide range of models, including the 2016-2023 Model S and Model X, the 2013-2017 Model 3, and the 2020-2023 Model Y.

The primary concern was that the FSD system could misinterpret road conditions, potentially leading to unsafe driving behaviors.

Another Tesla Self Driving recall took place in February 2022, when Tesla recalled around 54,000 vehicles due to an issue with the FSD software allowing cars to roll through stop signs without coming to a complete stop.

Options for Affected Tesla Owners

If you’re a Tesla owner affected by the Full Self-Driving (FSD) recalls, several options are available to help you resolve the issue:

• Software Updates: Tesla frequently addresses problems through over-the-air software updates. To ensure your vehicle receives these updates automatically, make sure it’s connected to Wi-Fi.
• Service Appointments: You can schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app or website. Tesla service centers can handle specific recall-related issues and perform any necessary repairs.
• Refunds or Replacements: In some cases, Tesla may offer refunds or replacements for defective parts or systems. Contact Tesla’s customer support to explore these options if your vehicle has been impacted by the recall.
• Legal Recourse: If the defect has significantly affected your vehicle’s performance or safety, you may want to consult a Lemon Law attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights and assist in seeking compensation if warranted.
• Stay Informed: Keep track of official updates from Tesla and the NHTSA regarding the recall and any additional actions you may need to take.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system remains safe and functional.

If your vehicle has experienced repeated issues with the FSD system that haven’t been resolved through repairs or updates, you may be eligible for compensation or a refund under California’s Lemon Law.

Consulting a Lemon Law attorney can help you explore your options and pursue any potential claims.

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
Model 3	$81,358
Model Y	$83,545
Model S	$140,875
Cybertruck	$141,733
Model X	$146,243

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on results from previous cases and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Work with the Lemon Law Experts!

If you’re dealing with unresolved issues related to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help.

Since 2009, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our mission is to protect consumer rights and ensure that you get the compensation and justice you deserve for your defective vehicle.

Our team offers expert and compassionate guidance throughout the Lemon Law process. Whether you need your Tesla’s FSD system to meet safety standards and perform reliably, or you’re seeking a refund or cash compensation, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case—just as we’ve done for countless other Tesla owners.

To find out if you qualify for assistance and take the first step toward resolution, call us at 877-885-5366 or complete a case evaluation form on our website today.