Tesla-Robotaxi in Texas: First incidents prompt US agency NHTSA to tak

False start for Tesla's Robotaxi pilot in Austin? In the very first week of testing, users report videos of driving errors – and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gets involved. What is behind the incidents and what consequences are looming Tesla?

What has happened so far

Pilot project in Austin: About a dozen paid robotaxi vehicles, bookable only for adult early-access customers, rides in good weather and on simple routes.
Reported incidents:
- Vehicle briefly uses the wrong lane.
- Another robotaxi accelerates beyond the speed limit.
NHTSA's reaction: Official request to Tesla for telemetry and software data; reference to ongoing FSD investigation with 2.4 million affected vehicles.
Tesla's response: Ready to cooperate, but details are declared as "confidential."

Technical background

Tesla relies on the latest FSD software (Full Self-Driving) in the pilot operation.

Sensors exclusively via camera (no LiDAR),
AI-based decision making from the same stack architecture as in customer FSD,
Safety monitor on the passenger seat, but no active steering wheel takeover planned.

Why the cases are sensitive

Factor	Significance
Public safety	First real passenger deployments, hence high media attention
Regulatory requirements	NHTSA has been investigating FSD since 2023 due to four accidents in poor visibility
Transparency	Tesla's refusal to disclose raw data fuels criticism of inadequate oversight
Trade Secret	Tesla fears disclosure of proprietary AI algorithms

Possible Scenarios

Individual Cases, Quick Resolution
- Tesla provides anonymized data, NHTSA sees no systemic risk.
- Pilot operation continues, expansion to more vehicles possible.
Software Bug Confirmed
- Over-the-Air Patch, close monitoring.
- Delay in the planned roll-out of robotaxis in other US cities.
Fundamental Deficiency
- NHTSA orders restricted operation or recall.
- Negative signal effect for Tesla's planned Cybercab launch in 2026.

Significance for European Customers

Tesla is initially testing the robotaxi technology exclusively in the USA. However, results and regulatory requirements will flow into the EU strategy. Until autonomous driving services are approved here, transparency and safety evidence are likely to play a central role.

Conclusion and Outlook

The first glitches show how narrow the line is between vision and reality in autonomous driving. Whether Tesla can quickly dispel the criticism will determine how quickly the robotaxi plan gains momentum – and how long German customers will have to wait for driverless Teslas.