NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation DP26010
Defect Petition · Tesla, Inc. · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
This investigation is open. That is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
Exceeds posted speed limits in active school zones
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a DP on September 23, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2026 Tesla Robotaxis (Model Y and Cybercab) with the Automated Driving System (ADS) engaged. The Petitioner alleges that the ADS exceeds posted speed limits in active school zones. Along with the request, the Petitioner provided 3 links to video footage as supporting evidence. A DP has been opened to evaluate the allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number: 11766676.
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- DP26010
- Investigation type
- Defect Petition (DP)
- Status
- Open
- Manufacturer
- Tesla, Inc.
- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Opened
- Oct 9, 2026
- Closed
- Not recorded
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded — the inquiry is ongoing
Vehicles named in this investigation
2 model years across 2 models
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.