The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an Audit Query into Tesla’s certification of its new Cybercab. This investigation covers approximately 1,000 vehicles. The agency is examining data and processes Tesla used to self-certify that the vehicle meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
The probe specifically focuses on the Cybercab’s lack of traditional manual controls like steering wheels and pedals. Tesla recently began a small commercial deployment of the vehicles in Austin, Texas. The company notified the NHTSA of plans to gradually expand this autonomous service.
This regulatory scrutiny creates a hurdle for CEO Elon Musk’s growth strategy amid slowing electric vehicle sales. The investigation may pressure Tesla’s stock and cast uncertainty on the timeline for its autonomous ride-hailing network. This project remains central to the company’s high market valuation.