NHTSA warns Tesla over misleading Full Self-Driving claims
NHTSA identified inconsistencies between Tesla's social media posts portraying Full Self-Driving as autonomous and the company's official materials stating the system requires driver oversight. The agency requested Tesla revise its communications and is investigating 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD following four collisions in low-visibility conditions, including one fatal crash.
What happened
NHTSA identified seven posts or reposts by Tesla's X account that the agency said indicated Full Self-Driving is capable of driving itself, conflicting with Tesla's owner's manual, user interface instructions, and YouTube video content stating that drivers must remain vigilant and in full control of vehicles.
In a May email, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation division chief asked Tesla to 'revisit its communications' to ensure messages are consistent with user instructions.
NHTSA launched an investigation in October into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD software following reports of four collisions, including one fatal crash, in low-visibility conditions such as sun glare, fog, and airborne dust.
Reported impact
An Arizona pedestrian was killed in one of the crashes involving Full Self-Driving in low-visibility conditions.
Critics, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have accused Tesla of using deceptive names for its partially automated driving systems that have been viewed by owners as fully autonomous.
Index analysis
Tesla's public statements on social media represent Full Self-Driving as capable of autonomous operation, contrary to the system's design requiring driver oversight.
The inconsistency between Tesla's public communications and its official materials raises questions about whether driver feedback and instructions are sufficient to prevent misuse of the system.
Governance controls
Tesla stated in April briefings to NHTSA that owner's manuals, user interface, and video content instruct drivers to remain vigilant and in control of vehicles.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.