TL;DR
Recent unredacted NHTSA data shows at least two Tesla robotaxi crashes involving remote operators since July 2025. The incidents highlight ongoing safety and operational challenges as Tesla expands its robotaxi service.
New unredacted data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that at least two Tesla robotaxi crashes occurred while vehicles were being remotely driven by teleoperators since July 2025.
The data, made available following a request from TechCrunch, shows both crashes happened in Austin, Texas, where Tesla launched its robotaxi service in June 2025. In both incidents, a safety monitor was behind the wheel, and no passengers were onboard. The July 2025 crash involved a remote operator increasing the vehicle’s speed and driving it up a curb into a metal fence after requesting assistance. The January 2026 crash saw a remote driver contact a construction barricade at approximately 9 MPH.
Tesla initially disclosed to lawmakers in March 2025 that it allows remote operators to control its robotaxis. Unlike other autonomous services that use remote monitoring primarily for consultation, Tesla’s remote operators are actively driving the vehicles in some situations. Besides these crashes, other incidents include minor collisions with vehicle mirrors and a case where a robotaxi failed to avoid hitting a dog, which survived.
Why It Matters
This development underscores ongoing safety and operational challenges faced by Tesla’s robotaxi program, raising questions about the maturity of its autonomous driving technology and regulatory oversight. The crashes, especially involving remote control, suggest Tesla’s progress toward fully autonomous, reliable robotaxi services remains slow compared to industry competitors like Waymo.
For consumers and regulators, these incidents highlight the need for transparency and safety improvements before wider deployment. It also impacts Tesla’s reputation and could influence future regulatory policies on autonomous vehicle operations.
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Background
Since launching its robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025, Tesla has faced scrutiny over safety and operational issues. The company’s approach differs from others by employing remote drivers to assist or control vehicles, a practice that has led to several reported incidents. While other firms like Waymo rely on remote monitoring mainly for oversight, Tesla’s active remote driving has resulted in crashes and software challenges. The unredacted NHTSA data marks a rare instance of transparency, revealing safety concerns that had previously been concealed.
“The data shows both crashes happened while a safety monitor was behind the wheel, and no passengers were onboard.”
— TechCrunch
“Tesla continuously improves its autonomous driving systems and safety protocols.”
— Tesla spokesperson (unofficial)
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how widespread the issue of remote-controlled crashes is across Tesla’s entire fleet or whether these incidents are isolated. The full scope of safety and operational challenges, including how often remote operators intervene in daily operations, is still being evaluated. Details about Tesla’s future plans to address these issues are not yet confirmed.
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What’s Next
Regulators are likely to scrutinize Tesla’s remote driving practices more closely, potentially leading to new safety regulations. Tesla may also update its autonomous systems and operational protocols. The company’s next steps could include increased transparency, safety audits, and technology improvements aimed at reducing reliance on remote control during autonomous operation.
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Key Questions
What exactly caused the crashes involving remote operators?
The specific causes are not fully detailed, but at least one involved a remote driver increasing the vehicle’s speed and driving it into a curb, while another involved contact with a construction barricade.
Are Tesla’s robotaxis considered safe for public use?
Safety remains under review; recent incidents suggest ongoing risks, especially when remote control is involved. Regulators and Tesla are working to improve safety protocols.
How does Tesla’s remote driving compare to other autonomous vehicle services?
Unlike companies like Waymo, which primarily use remote monitoring for oversight rather than active driving, Tesla employs remote drivers to actively operate vehicles, leading to different safety and operational challenges.
Will these incidents impact Tesla’s plans for expanding its robotaxi service?
Potentially. Increased safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny could slow expansion plans or lead to stricter operational restrictions.
