Tesla robotaxi collides with parked car in Austin; NHTSA investigates safety concerns
Tesla's robotaxi collided with a parked car in Austin after unexpectedly accelerating into it post-drop-off. The incident followed multiple other traffic law violations recorded by Tesla robotaxi passengers, and the NHTSA opened an investigation into the company's robotaxi rollout.
What happened
A Tesla Model Y robotaxi grazed a parked Toyota Camry in a crowded parking lot at Home Slice Pizza in Austin, Texas, after completing a drop-off. The vehicle navigated out of a tight alleyway, came to a complete stop, then abruptly restarted and turned left into the parked car.
Multiple other safety incidents involving Tesla robotaxis were reported earlier in July 2025. Videos showed a robotaxi driving into the wrong lane and continuing on the wrong side of the road for several seconds, and another incident where the vehicle braked hard after passing a police car.
Reported impact
The right tire of the Toyota was lightly grazed with no major injuries or damage reported. A safety operator intervened to stop the vehicle.
Index analysis
The Model Y's decision to turn abruptly and accelerate into the parked car after an otherwise normal drop-off appears unexplained. Tesla's robotaxi relies on cameras and artificial intelligence without lidar or radar systems used by competitors.
Governance controls
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla's rollout and contacted Tesla regarding videos of the company's robotaxis breaking traffic laws. NHTSA stated it would take any necessary actions to protect road safety following an assessment of the reports.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.