NHTSA Autonomous Vehicle Investigations

How NHTSA Investigations Work

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) follows a structured process when evaluating potential safety defects in vehicles. Understanding this pipeline helps contextualize where each investigation stands:

• Preliminary Evaluation (PE): The initial screening phase. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash data, and other information to determine if a formal investigation is warranted. Most inquiries start here.
• Engineering Analysis (EA): A deeper technical investigation. Engineers conduct testing, review manufacturer data, and analyze the defect in detail. This phase can last months or years.
• Recall Request / Order: If the investigation confirms a safety defect, NHTSA works with the manufacturer to issue a recall. If the manufacturer refuses, NHTSA can order a mandatory recall.
• Audit Query (AQ): NHTSA may also open audit queries to evaluate whether manufacturers are complying with recall obligations and reporting requirements.

Key AV/ADAS Investigations

Several landmark investigations have shaped the regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles:

• PE22-002 (Tesla Autopilot): Covering 3.2 million vehicles, this investigation examined whether Autopilot's driver monitoring was adequate. It led to a 2-million vehicle recall in December 2023.
• PE25-012 (Tesla FSD Red Lights): Opened in 2025 to investigate reports of FSD running red lights, particularly in the "Mad Max" aggressive driving mode.
• Cruise Investigations: Multiple probes into GM's Cruise robotaxi service following pedestrian incidents in San Francisco, ultimately contributing to the suspension of Cruise operations.
• Waymo Probes: Investigations into Waymo's autonomous vehicles following incidents involving unexpected braking and traffic violations.

Investigations by Manufacturer

The distribution of investigations across manufacturers reflects both fleet size and the scope of autonomous technology deployment. Higher investigation counts don't necessarily indicate less safe vehicles — they often correlate with larger fleets and more advanced automation features that attract regulatory scrutiny.

Why NHTSA Investigations Matter

NHTSA investigations are the primary mechanism through which the federal government ensures autonomous vehicle safety. Unlike voluntary safety reports from manufacturers, investigations carry regulatory weight and can compel recalls, fines, and operational changes. For consumers, tracking open investigations provides early warning about potential safety issues before they become formal recalls.