US Regulator Opens Inquiry into Tesla Robotaxi Performance After Glitches Revealed

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an inquiry into Tesla’s recently launched Robotaxi service, demanding information from the automaker after videos emerged showing the self-driving cars operating erratically. Concerns have been raised over instances of Robotaxis exceeding speed limits and veering into incorrect lanes during their Austin, Texas debut over the weekend. This swift regulatory action highlights the intense oversight facing new autonomous driving technologies.
Tesla’s initial, limited rollout of its Robotaxis was accompanied by significant promotional efforts, including engaging pro-Tesla influencers to share their experiences. Ironically, the footage intended to generate positive buzz appears to have instead drawn the attention of the NHTSA, as the videos reveal apparent difficulties in the vehicles complying with established traffic laws. The agency’s proactive stance is a testament to its commitment to public safety.
Among the troubling videos is one showing a Robotaxi misjudging a left turn, briefly entering a lane intended for oncoming traffic, and then correcting its course over a double yellow line. Another clip features a pro-Tesla YouTuber openly praising the car for traveling “several miles per hour over the speed limit.” These incidents underscore the current limitations and potential hazards of the system.
This new regulatory challenge comes as Tesla faces a period of declining sales and a significant drop in first-quarter profits for 2025. With Elon Musk heavily invested in the Robotaxi program as the future of the company, this NHTSA inquiry, along with an existing investigation into Tesla’s “Full-Self Driving” mode, intensifies the pressure on the company to prove the safety and reliability of its autonomous aspirations.