Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk speaks during a Tesla product unveiling event in Los Angeles, California, US on October 10, 2024, in this still image taken from a video.
Tesla | Via Reuters
Tesla It falsely indicated in social media posts that its cars were self-driving, potentially misleading drivers and putting them in danger, according to a warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Tesla’s “Tesla’s posts contradict its stated messages that the driver must maintain constant control of the dynamic driving task.”
Magno, a division chief in the agency's Office of Defect Investigations, warned that viewers of Tesla's online communications, including posts on It requires human supervision, which means the driver is ready to steer or brake at any time.
Tesla has until December 18 to respond to NHTSA's letter, which also includes requests for comprehensive information about the company's vehicles and technology related to FSD. Failure to respond could result in fines of up to a maximum of $135.8 million. The company can also request an extension.
NHTSA is investigating potential safety flaws in the Tesla FSD option, a partially automated driving system. The latest probe came on the heels of a series of Tesla collisions that involved the use of FSD within 30 seconds of impact. In one case, a Tesla driver using FSD fatally struck a pedestrian.
Magno pointed to a group of posts posted by Tesla on X, the social network owned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. One post showed a driver using an FSD to go to the hospital while having a potential heart attack. Another showed a driver who said he used the FSD on a 50-minute ride home from a sporting event.
Tesla suggested in publications that there were “advantages to using FSD while intoxicated” or while fatigued, Magno wrote. NHTSA required Tesla to make its online communications “compliant” with user instructions and “appropriate for the level of posted capability on public roadways.”
Musk, who has emerged as a major supporter of President-elect Donald Trump's campaign, aims to reduce federal spending and regulation when the new administration takes office. It also seeks to create a federal motor vehicle safety standard for self-driving vehicles.
Tesla shares have risen 28% in the three trading days since Tuesday's election, surpassing the $1 trillion market cap on Friday.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read NHTSA's letter to Tesla here.
Correction: The story has been updated to reflect Gregory Magno's correct address within NHTSA.
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