Fact-check analysisVerified as of September 2, 2026Curated by FactVerify
Mostly True

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla Full Self-Driving after fatal crashes in fog and glare.

NHTSA did open a Tesla Full Self-Driving investigation in October 2024 after four reported crashes involving fog, sun glare and airborne dust, but the available record identifies one fatality, not multiple fatal crashes.

U.S. opens new investigation into Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system after fatal crash | PBS News

U.S. opens new investigation into Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system after fatal crash | PBS News

Source: pbs.org

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified September 2, 2026
  • NHTSA launched the original investigation in October 2024, covering about 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the relevant driver-assistance software.

  • The investigation followed four reported crashes in reduced-visibility conditions, including fog, sun glare and airborne dust.

  • The sources identify one fatal crash or fatality in the initial group, so describing the events as multiple fatal crashes overstates the record.

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in October 2024 into Tesla vehicles using Full Self-Driving after four reported crashes in reduced-visibility conditions, including fog, sun glare and airborne dust. The reports included a fatal crash involving a pedestrian, but the provided evidence does not establish that multiple people died.pbs.orgpbs.orgU.S. opens new investigation into Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system after fatal...reuters.comreuters.comUS probes Tesla's Full Self-Driving software in 2.4 mln cars after fatal crash

Primary trail

Verified Sources10

U.S. opens new investigation into Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system after fatal...

pbs.org10/18/2024
Open source

US regulators launch investigation into self-driving Teslas after series of...

theguardian.com10/10/2025
Open source

U.S. opens Tesla probe after more crashes involving its so-called full...

pbs.org10/9/2025
Open source
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