NHTSA Grants Tesla Extension on FSD Probe

U.S. auto safety regulators have granted Tesla a five-week extension to respond to an investigation into reports that its vehicles violated traffic laws while operating in Full Self-Driving mode. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the deferral on Friday, pushing the deadline from January 19 to February 23 after the electric vehicle maker requested additional time to review thousands of records.

The probe, which began in October, examines allegations that Tesla's Full Self-Driving system, or FSD, has led to vehicles running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and in some cases, colliding with other vehicles and causing injuries. The investigation covers approximately 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the technology, which functions as a Level 2 driver-assistance system requiring constant driver supervision and readiness to intervene. NHTSA has documented 62 consumer complaints related to these issues, an increase from 58 reported when the inquiry started, along with additional crash reports and media accounts.

In a detailed information request sent to Tesla last month, NHTSA sought comprehensive data, including the number of U.S....