NHTSA Opens Investigation into Tesla’s Full-Self Driving System After Letter from Senators Markey and Blumenthal

Washington (October 9, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today released the following statement after reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) system. On September 29, the senators sent aletterto NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison urging the Administration to launch an investigation into the failure of Tesla’s FSD system to safely detect and respond to railroad crossings. Over the past year, a growing number of Tesla drivers havereportedincidents in which vehicles equipped with FSD failed to recognize or properly respond to railroad crossings.
“There is a mountain of evidence that Tesla’s Full-Self Driving system is unsafe. While we are encouraged NHTSA has followed our call to investigate this rogue driving system, we will be watching closely to ensure the agency uses its full authority to hold Elon Musk and Tesla accountable for their recklessness.”
Senators Markey and Blumenthal have consistently worked to hold Tesla accountable for their unsafe vehicles. In April 2024, Senators Markey and BlumenthalurgedNHTSA to take more aggressive action on autonomous vehicle safety, including by addressing several concerns specific to Tesla. Following the letter, NHTSA opened an investigation into Tesla’s dangerous autopilot system. The senatorsissued a statement praisingthe Administration’s investigation. In August 2021, Senators Markey and Blumenthal sent aletterto the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), calling for it to launch an investigation into Tesla’s advertising of driving automation systems.
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