American electric vehicle giant Tesla has been granted a significant extension by federal safety regulators as it faces a major investigation into its driver-assistance technology.
Deadline Extended for Critical Response
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given Tesla an additional five weeks to formally answer allegations that its cars have violated traffic laws while operating in what the company markets as "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) mode. The new deadline is now 23 February 2026, pushing back the original date of 19 January.
This development comes after the NHTSA opened a formal probe in October 2025. The investigation was triggered by dozens of reports collected by the agency, which indicated vehicles equipped with FSD were involved in dangerous incidents. These included running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and collisions that resulted in injuries.
Scope of the Investigation and Tesla's Defence
The safety probe is extensive, covering an estimated 2.9 million vehicles—effectively every Tesla sold in the US with the FSD feature installed. Regulators noted in a December 2025 letter that they were examining 62 specific complaints, an increase from the 58 initially reported.
Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk, has consistently argued that it warns drivers the system is not autonomous. The company states that individuals behind the wheel must remain fully attentive and prepared to take control at any moment. However, this stance is challenged by accounts from drivers involved in accidents, who told regulators the cars provided no warning before acting erratically.
Critics of the technology argue the "Full Self-Driving" name is dangerously misleading, potentially lulling users into a false sense of security and over-reliance on the system. The software under scrutiny is classified as a Level 2 driver-assistance system, which legally requires constant human supervision.
Broader Context for Tesla and the Future of FSD
The investigation adds pressure on Tesla at a challenging time for its core automotive business. The company lost its title as the world's top-selling electric vehicle maker in 2025, with deliveries falling 9% to 1.64 million vehicles. Chinese manufacturer BYD now leads the global market.
Analysts cite several factors for the sales dip, including expiring US tax incentives, intense competition, and consumer reactions to Elon Musk's public persona. Consequently, success in autonomous driving technology is seen as increasingly critical for Tesla's future valuation.
The company continues to develop its systems, having released a new FSD version in the autumn of 2025 and testing a more advanced iteration that aims to eliminate the need for driver intervention—a goal Musk has promoted for years. Investor optimism in this long-term vision of robotaxis and advanced robotics helped Tesla's stock close 2025 with an 11% gain.
As the February deadline approaches, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how Tesla responds to the NHTSA's serious allegations and what it means for the future of automated driving on public roads.
