Tesla Faces Investigation Over Delayed Reporting of FSD and Autopilot Crashes

Tesla is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for delays in reporting crashes involving its advanced driver-assist systems, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD). The NHTSA mandates that automakers report such crashes within one or five days of the incident. However, Tesla has reported crashes months or even longer after the fact, citing issues with its data collection system, which it claims have now been resolved. The delays prompted an audit investigation from NHTSA to ensure the company adheres to reporting regulations. The 2021 Standing General Order (SGO) requires companies to report accidents where automated driving systems were active within 30 seconds of impact. Tesla has reported more than 2,300 crashes under this rule, with 40 out of 43 fatal crashes tied to its vehicles. As part of the investigation, NHTSA may revise the SGO to adjust some of the reporting requirements for such systems.