TL;DR
Tesla has publicly disclosed 17 robotaxi crashes over nine months, with at least two incidents involving remote human drivers. The details highlight ongoing safety concerns and operational challenges in Tesla’s autonomous vehicle program.
Tesla has disclosed new details about 17 robotaxi crashes in a federal database, including two incidents in Austin where remote human drivers appeared to cause the crashes. The revelations raise questions about the safety and operational practices of Tesla’s autonomous vehicle program.
Over the past nine months, Tesla reported 17 incidents involving its robotaxi fleet, with details first made public through a federal crash database. Among these, two crashes in Austin involved remote safety monitors who directly drove the vehicles into objects at speeds below 10 miles per hour. In July 2025, a safety monitor was injured slightly after the vehicle, driven remotely, struck a curb and fence. In January 2026, another remote-controlled crash into a construction barricade resulted in no injuries but visible vehicle damage. Tesla did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
These incidents shed light on the role of human operators in Tesla’s autonomous operations. Unlike other companies, Tesla more frequently permits remote drivers to actively control the vehicle, raising safety and technical concerns. Experts note that remote driving in complex urban environments can be hampered by connectivity issues and limited situational awareness, which may impact safety.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it underscores ongoing safety challenges in Tesla’s approach to autonomous vehicle deployment. The involvement of remote drivers in crashes raises questions about the reliability of Tesla’s self-driving technology and the safety protocols in place. It also highlights broader industry concerns about the safety and oversight of remotely controlled autonomous vehicles, especially as Tesla seeks to expand its robotaxi service.
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Background
Tesla’s robotaxi service operates in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, with fewer than 100 vehicles. The company’s approach differs from competitors like Waymo, which limits remote control to low speeds and training environments. Tesla’s disclosure of crashes in a federal database is unusual, as most companies do not publicly share detailed incident data. The incidents follow Tesla’s ongoing push to commercialize autonomous taxis, with CEO Elon Musk emphasizing robotics and vehicle deliveries as key priorities, despite limited operational scale and reported service delays.
“The new details raise questions about what the teleoperator can see in both coverage and resolution, and what kind of latency they are experiencing while driving.”
— Noah Goodall, self-driving vehicle researcher
“Tesla did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.”
— Tesla
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear why Tesla chose to disclose these specific incidents in the federal database and whether other crashes involving remote control have occurred but are not publicly reported. The full extent of safety risks associated with remote human drivers in Tesla’s fleet is also still unknown, as detailed operational data is not publicly available.
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What’s Next
Regulators are likely to scrutinize Tesla’s remote driving practices further, possibly leading to new safety regulations or oversight. Tesla may also update its safety protocols or vehicle software. The company’s next steps will depend on regulatory responses and internal assessments of safety and operational procedures.
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Key Questions
Why does Tesla’s disclosure of these crashes matter?
It provides transparency about incidents involving Tesla’s autonomous vehicles, highlighting safety concerns and the role of remote human drivers in vehicle control.
Are remote human drivers common in autonomous vehicle operations?
Most companies limit remote control to low speeds or training environments, but Tesla appears to allow more frequent remote intervention, which raises safety and operational questions.
What safety concerns are associated with remote driving?
Remote driving can be hampered by connectivity issues, limited situational awareness, and latency, potentially increasing the risk of accidents in complex urban settings.
Will these incidents affect Tesla’s robotaxi rollout?
Potentially. Regulatory scrutiny and public perception could impact Tesla’s expansion plans, especially if safety concerns are deemed significant.
What is the next step for regulators regarding Tesla’s autonomous vehicles?
Regulators may investigate these incidents further, possibly leading to new safety standards or restrictions on remote control practices in autonomous vehicle operations.
