NHTSA Expands Probe Into Tesla FSD's Low-Vision Performance

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is facing heightened federal scrutiny over its behavior in adverse weather. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its probe into Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) to an "engineering analysis," signaling a deeper investigation.

The inquiry, listed under campaign number EA26002, focuses on the system’s performance in reduced-visibility conditions such as heavy rain, thick fog, and intense sun glare. A preliminary review has been underway since late 2023, and the upgrade expands the scope to about 3.2 million Tesla vehicles, covering nearly every Tesla on U.S. roads.

What the Engineering Analysis Means

An engineering analysis is a major step in the regulatory process and is often the final phase before the agency decides whether to tell a company to issue an over-the-air (OTA) recall. This step does not automatically indicate that a recall is imminent; rather, it reflects the NHTSA’s need for additional data to validate safety.

Investigators are examining incidents where FSD or Autopilot may have struggled in poor visibility without adequately prompting drivers to assume control. Last May, the NHTSA expanded the probe to include Tesla’s Robotaxi plans, asking how a vehicle with no one behind the steering wheel (or no steering wheel altogether) would operate if the "vision" system is obstructed by weather.

Context from Prior Investigations

Last fall, regulators raised concerns about FSD’s "Mad Max" speed profile, which is intended for more aggressive lane changes.

Other inquiries have looked at Actually Smart Summon following low-speed parking lot collisions, as well as concerns about FSD blowing through red lights and stop signs. The agency also recently opened an investigation into Tesla’s emergency door release and door handle design.

Innovation and Oversight

Earlier this month, the NHTSA committed to softening regulations for autonomous vehicles to foster innovation. This points to a "carrot and stick" approach: encouraging self-driving advances while continuing to address perceived safety gaps in current systems.

Tesla has maintained that, for now, FSD requires a fully attentive driver ready to intervene. As the company moves toward an "unsupervised" future with FSD and the Cybercab, proving that its cameras can "see" through a rainstorm as effectively as a human remains a crucial test.

For the moment, about 3.2 million owners will be watching to see whether this engineering analysis prompts another software update that adjusts how FSD behaves when the weather deteriorates.