NHTSA Investigates Tesla CyberCab Self-Driving Vehicle Program

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an “audit inquiry” into Tesla’s CyberCab program. According to a government filing, the investigation will examine the data, safety procedures, and decision-making processes Tesla used while developing and deploying its autonomous vehicles.

NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the agency supports the safe development and deployment of self-driving vehicles but emphasized that automakers must comply with federal requirements.

“NHTSA fully supports the safe development and deployment of self-driving vehicles,” Morrison said in a statement. “However, as federal regulators, we must ensure that all laws are followed.”

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the investigation.

Ann Carlson, a former acting NHTSA administrator and current professor of environmental law at UCLA, said the inquiry could indicate that the agency is “very dissatisfied with Tesla.” She noted that the NHTSA’s recent actions involving Zoox demonstrate that self-driving vehicle developers are expected to follow the federal exemption process.

“It’s terrible that Tesla slaps them in the face and ignores it,” Carlson said.

A federal investigation of this kind could have significant consequences for Tesla. NHTSA can require automakers to modify their vehicles, update safety procedures, or change internal compliance processes. The agency can also pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties.

Volvo Group North America paid a $130 million fine in 2023 after an investigation into its recall process. The company also agreed to three years of oversight by an independent third-party auditor.

The CyberCab represents Tesla’s vision for the future of transportation. CEO Elon Musk has said Tesla should be viewed not only as an automaker but also as a robotics and self-driving car company. According to a state database, 45 CyberCab vehicles are currently registered in Texas, while Tesla has ambitious plans to produce and deploy millions of autonomous vehicles each year.

This story was originally published by Wired.com.