# Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Under Investigation: Four Accidents, One Fatality, and a Possible Recall
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is back in the limelight, following a string of incidents that have sparked serious debates over the safety and dependability of the technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated its 14th probe into Tesla’s electric cars, this time scrutinizing the disputed FSD system. This investigation stems from reports of four incidents, one of which led to the death of a pedestrian in Rimrock, Arizona, in November 2023. These events took place while the vehicles were functioning under FSD in conditions of limited visibility, such as fog, bright sunlight, or airborne dust.
## The Inquiry: What’s at Risk?
The NHTSA’s probe focuses on Tesla’s camera-only strategy for FSD, which has been a controversial subject in the automotive sector. Unlike other manufacturers that utilize a mix of cameras, radar, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to improve vehicle perception, Tesla depends exclusively on cameras. The incidents that prompted this inquiry occurred when the FSD system inadequately recognized and reacted to low-visibility scenarios, resulting in accidents.
The NHTSA’s investigation intends to determine whether Tesla’s FSD system is equipped to safely navigate such challenging conditions. The agency will also investigate if Tesla has implemented any system updates and what safety implications they carry. Should the inquiry find Tesla’s camera-only strategy lacking, the automaker may be compelled to execute a costly recall, necessitating either hardware modifications or the complete deactivation of the FSD feature.
## Decoding Tesla’s FSD and Its Shortcomings
Public misunderstanding surrounds Tesla’s FSD system, in part due to the company’s marketing and the terminology employed. While the term “Full Self-Driving” implies a vehicle capable of full autonomy, Tesla’s FSD is not genuinely autonomous. It is categorized under “Level 2+” automation, meaning the system can manage certain driving functions—like steering, accelerating, and braking—but the human driver must always remain alert and prepared to take over.
In contrast, truly autonomous vehicles, like those being created by firms such as Waymo and Zoox, function under “Level 4” automation. These vehicles, which incorporate various sensors, can navigate independently without human involvement, although they are typically restricted to specific operational zones, like certain city streets.
Tesla’s FSD, however, does not possess the advanced sensor suite found in Level 4 autonomous vehicles. Instead, it relies on a blend of wide-angle, main, and narrow-angle forward-facing cameras to understand the environment. This method has faced criticism due to its limitations, especially in situations where visibility is diminished, such as during fog or heavy downpours.
## The Hazards of a Camera-Only System
A critical issue at the heart of the NHTSA’s investigation is whether Tesla’s camera-only system can manage the complexities of real-world driving, particularly in adverse conditions. Most other car manufacturers developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) employ a combination of cameras, radar, and LiDAR to foster a more comprehensive perception of the vehicle’s surroundings. Radar and LiDAR are especially beneficial in low-visibility scenarios, as they can identify objects and obstacles that cameras might overlook.
Tesla’s choice to eliminate radar and LiDAR in favor of a camera-only setup has sparked considerable debate. While cameras can provide high-resolution images, they are vulnerable to being obscured by glare, fog, or dust—conditions linked to the accidents being investigated. If the NHTSA concludes that Tesla’s camera-only method is inadequate, the company may be pushed to implement significant modifications to its vehicles, either by incorporating new hardware or disabling the FSD feature altogether.
## The Possible Ramifications for Tesla
The stakes are significant for Tesla. If the NHTSA determines that the FSD system is unsafe, the agency could require a recall, which would be financially burdensome for the automaker. Such a recall could necessitate retrofitting hundreds of thousands of vehicles with new hardware, like radar or LiDAR sensors, to enhance the system’s capability. Alternatively, Tesla may be compelled to entirely disable the FSD feature, which would not only impact the company’s financial standing but also its reputation as a pioneer in autonomous driving technology.
Tesla’s FSD feature has served as a major source of revenue for the company, with customers investing thousands for the option. Disabling this feature would not only generate financial losses but could also result in legal disputes from customers who paid for a service that is no longer provided. Furthermore, a recall or the elimination of FSD could have wider repercussions on Tesla’s stock price, which has long been supported by the company’s predictions of a future dominated by self-driving vehicles.
## A Crucial Moment for Tesla?
Tesla’s valuation
