Tesla FSD Failed to Detect Deer and Continued at Full Speed
A Tesla operating in Full Self-Driving mode struck and killed a deer without detecting it or attempting to brake or avoid it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into the incident affecting 2.4 million FSD-equipped vehicles, citing concerns about the system's camera-only design and reduced performance in poor visibility conditions.
What happened
A Tesla driver with Full Self-Driving enabled struck a deer at full speed without the vehicle slowing down or attempting to avoid it.
Reported impact
The vehicle continued at full speed after impact without braking or evasive action.
Index analysis
Tesla's Full Self-Driving system relies exclusively on camera sensors rather than LiDAR or radar, which the company adopted in 2022 when it also removed ultrasonic sensors from its vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that 'reduced roadway visibility conditions' such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust could diminish the system's ability to 'detect and respond appropriately.' A separate NHTSA report found Tesla 'did not adequately ensure that drivers maintained their attention' while using the feature.
Governance controls
The NHTSA opened an investigation into the incident affecting 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD, which referenced four collisions including one fatal crash from the previous year.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.