TL;DR
Recent NHTSA data reveals at least two Tesla robotaxi crashes involving remote operators since July 2025. The incidents underscore ongoing safety and operational challenges in Tesla’s autonomous vehicle program, with progress appearing slow compared to competitors.
New unredacted data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms at least two Tesla robotaxi crashes involving remote operators since July 2025, highlighting ongoing safety and operational issues in Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing efforts.
The data, obtained by TechCrunch, shows both incidents took place in Austin, Texas, where Tesla launched its robotaxi service in June 2025. Both crashes occurred while a safety monitor was present in the vehicle and no passengers were onboard. In one July 2025 incident, a remote operator took control after a safety request, increased the vehicle’s speed, and drove it up a curb into a metal fence. In another January 2026 crash, a remote driver made contact with a construction barricade at approximately 9 miles per hour.
Tesla initially disclosed in March 2025 that it allows remote operators to control its robotaxis. Unlike other autonomous services that mainly involve monitoring, Tesla’s remote operators can actively drive the vehicles. Besides these crashes, other incidents include minor accidents like clipping mirrors and an instance where a robotaxi hit a dog, which survived. Additionally, reports from Reuters indicate that the service faces long wait times and inconsistent drop-off locations, with some riders being dropped off significantly away from their intended destinations.
Why It Matters
This development underscores the slow progress of Tesla’s robotaxi program amid safety concerns and operational hurdles. The involvement of remote drivers in crashes raises questions about the maturity of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology compared to competitors like Waymo. For consumers and regulators, these incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in deploying fully autonomous ride-hailing services at scale, and may influence future safety regulations and public trust.
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Background
Tesla began offering robotaxi rides in Austin in June 2025, with the company initially emphasizing remote operation capabilities. Since then, Tesla has reported several incidents, including minor accidents and the recent crashes involving remote drivers. The industry overall continues to grapple with safety and reliability issues as companies like Waymo and Cruise also encounter setbacks. Tesla’s approach of actively involving remote operators differs from other autonomous services, which generally focus on software-driven monitoring rather than manual control.
“Both crashes occurred while a safety monitor was behind the wheel and no passengers were onboard.”
— TechCrunch
“Tesla allows remote operators to take control of its robotaxis to ensure safety during early deployment phases.”
— Tesla spokesperson (per reports)
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how widespread these incidents are or how they compare to Tesla’s overall fleet performance. The full extent of the safety issues and whether they reflect systemic problems remains uncertain. Additionally, the impact of these crashes on Tesla’s regulatory standing and public perception is still developing.
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What’s Next
Regulators are likely to scrutinize Tesla’s data further and may impose new safety requirements. Tesla may also continue refining its remote operation protocols and autonomous software. Observers will monitor whether Tesla’s robotaxi service can improve safety, reduce incidents, and expand operational reliability in the coming months.
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Key Questions
What do we know about the crashes involving Tesla robotaxis?
Recent unredacted NHTSA data confirms at least two crashes since July 2025 involving Tesla robotaxis with remote operators, both in Austin, Texas. Incidents include a curb collision and contact with a construction barricade, with no passengers involved.
How does Tesla’s remote operation compare to other autonomous vehicle services?
Unlike other companies that mainly monitor autonomous vehicles remotely, Tesla’s remote operators actively control the vehicles, which has been linked to some crashes and safety concerns.
What challenges is Tesla facing with its robotaxi service?
In addition to safety incidents, Tesla’s robotaxi service faces operational issues such as long wait times and inaccurate drop-offs, indicating ongoing development hurdles.
Will these incidents affect Tesla’s regulatory approval?
It remains uncertain how regulators will respond, but these incidents could lead to increased scrutiny and possible safety requirements for Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing operations.
What is Tesla’s response to these safety concerns?
Tesla has emphasized its remote operation capabilities as part of its safety strategy, but specific measures following these incidents have not been publicly detailed.
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