Tesla faces new questions about how cars in self-driving mode handle poor conditions

Tesla faces new questions about how cars in self-driving mode handle poor conditions Federal auto regulators have escalated a probe of Tesla after several of its cars crashed while using its self-driving feature, just as CEO Elon Musk prepares to roll out a new model with no steering wheel or pedals By BERNARD CONDON AP business writer March 19, 2026, 1:46 PM NEW YORK -- Federal auto regulators have escalated a probe of Tesla after several of its cars crashed while using its self-driving feature, just as CEO Elon Musk prepares to roll out a new model with no steering wheel or pedals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a memo that it was examining nine crashes where the self-driving software failed to quickly alert drivers to take control in fog and other poor conditions because the vehicle's cameras weren't picking out road hazards. The NHTSA memo signals a regulatory investigation begun in 2024 over poor visibility crashes could now lead to enforcement action, possibly including a recall of 3.2 million Tesla vehicles. Tesla stock fell 3.1% to $380.75 in early afternoon trading Thursday. The increased regulatory scrutiny comes as Tesla is trying to convince investors that the future of the company lies less in selling cars as sales drop and more in making its self-driving software ubiquitous. Musk has said he will soon turn millions of Tesla cars already on the road into taxis that their owners can rent out when they are not using them. As part of that transition, Musk said Tesla will roll out its robotaxi service with no one behind the wheel in several U.S. cities this year. It is also planning to launch production of its no-wheel-no-pedal Cybercab to sell to customers next month. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Popular Reads Iran live updates: Japan, 5 European countries condemn Iranian attacks on vessels 1 hour ago 'I'm totally shocked': Woman arrested in 2011 cold case murder Mar 18, 4:20 PM Trump calls Strait ...