Tesla robotaxis crash nine times more frequently than human drivers in Austin
Tesla's autonomous robotaxis in Austin, Texas recorded nine accidents between July and November 2025, with crash rates nine times higher than conventional vehicles. The incidents included collisions with other vehicles, obstacles, a cyclist, and an animal at various speeds. Tesla reportedly removed safety observers from some prototype vehicles while Waymo's larger fleet maintains better safety records than human drivers.
What happened
Between July and November 2025, Tesla's autonomous robotaxis operating in Austin, Texas were involved in nine accidents. Three incidents occurred in July, including two collisions with other vehicles and one strike against a stationary obstacle at 13 km/h. Four accidents were reported in September involving collisions with obstacles, other cars during parking maneuvers, and incidents with a cyclist and an animal, with one collision at more than 43 km/h. One unexplained incident occurred in October at 29 km/h, and one accident in November repeated the July right-turn scenario.
Tesla's fleet of several dozen robotaxis in Austin traveled approximately 800,000 km between July and November, resulting in one accident per 88,000 km. This compares to the average for U.S. drivers at one accident per 800,000 km based on police records, or an estimated 320,000 km if unreported accidents are included. Tesla reportedly removed safety observers from some prototype vehicles, with independent reports suggesting these vehicles are now monitored indirectly by following vehicles.
Reported impact
The high frequency of accidents in Tesla's robotaxi fleet raises safety concerns for public use of autonomous vehicles. By comparison, Waymo operates a larger fleet of fully autonomous taxis without in-cabin safety drivers and demonstrates better accident-free performance than conventional human drivers.
Index analysis
Tesla does not typically disclose detailed information about autonomous vehicle accidents but is required to report incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unlike Tesla, Waymo provides NHTSA with detailed statistics on all incidents, including those involving injuries, highlighting a contrast in transparency and safety outcomes.
Governance controls
The high frequency of accidents and limited reporting from Tesla make it difficult for regulators and the public to fully assess the safety of its self-driving vehicles. The removal of safety observers from prototype vehicles while maintaining indirect supervision represents a shift in operational oversight.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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