NHTSA escalated its Tesla Full Self-Driving probe to 3.2 million vehicles over under-reported crashes and camera blindness in sun glare

NHTSA Told Tesla It May Be Hiding Crash Data. The FSD Probe Now Covers 3.2 Million Cars.

In March 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration escalated its investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system to an Engineering Analysis — designation EA26002 — covering 3.2 million vehicles. An Engineering Analysis is one step below a recall order and is the formal mechanism NHTSA uses when preliminary evidence suggests a defect poses an unreasonable safety risk.

The Under-Reporting Allegation

NHTSA stated in its investigation documents that Tesla "may be under-reporting crashes" involving FSD-engaged vehicles. Tesla's data-sharing obligations under NHTSA's Standing General Order require automakers to report crashes above a defined severity threshold within defined windows. The agency's review found anomalies suggesting that not all qualifying incidents were being captured in Tesla's submissions.

Camera Blindness

NHTSA's technical findings specifically cite FSD's forward camera system as exhibiting "reduced object detection capability" in direct sun glare, low-angle light, and dense fog conditions. The system's warnings to drivers in these conditions were found to be insufficient. Nine crashes have been tied to EA26002; one resulted in a fatality.

What Comes Next

An Engineering Analysis forces a manufacturer to produce internal technical documentation, failure mode data, and field reports. If NHTSA determines the documentation confirms a safety-related defect, it can compel a recall. Tesla has contested NHTSA escalations in the past. The agency has the legal authority to mandate the recall regardless.