The US NHTSA has rejected a request to recall more than 2.2 million Tesla vehicles, finding no technical safety defect. Learn why the agency says the risk is minimal—read more now.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that it will not order a massive recall of more than 2.26 million Tesla vehicles. The agency says it found no technical safety defect that would justify pulling the cars off the road.
What sparked the recall request?
In March 2023, NHTSA received a formal petition urging the agency to recall certain Tesla models. The petition argued that the cars’ “one‑pedal” driving mode – which combines acceleration and regenerative braking on a single pedal – could confuse drivers, potentially leading to unintended acceleration.
NHTSA’s investigation and findings
After a thorough review of crash data, on‑board diagnostics and driver reports, NHTSA concluded that:
- Incidents that might be linked to pedal confusion are extremely rare.
- All examined vehicles responded correctly to driver inputs, indicating the systems work as designed.
- Requiring drivers to press the brake to stop the vehicle would not reliably prevent the few reported events.
Because of these findings, the agency decided that a formal recall would be unnecessary at this time.
One‑pedal driving is not unique to Tesla
The regulator also noted that regenerative‑braking or one‑pedal driving is a common feature across many electric‑vehicle brands, not a Tesla‑specific technology. This broader industry context helped shape the final decision.
Ongoing scrutiny of Full Self‑Driving (FSD)
While the pedal‑confusion case was closed, NHTSA intensified its probe of about 3.2 million Tesla cars equipped with the Full Self‑Driving (FSD) software. The agency is concerned that the autonomous‑driving suite might fail to detect or warn drivers in low‑visibility conditions.
The investigation, which began in October 2024 with roughly 2.4 million vehicles, has now moved into a technical‑analysis phase. If serious safety violations are identified, a recall could still be on the table.
Global regulatory backdrop
Tesla also disclosed that the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) is reviewing its FSD documentation, with a decision expected around 10 April. Approval in the Netherlands could pave the way for broader European Union acceptance later this year.
Key takeaways
- NHTSA found no evidence of a systemic safety defect in Tesla’s pedal‑assist system.
- The massive recall request for over 2.2 million cars has been dismissed.
- Regulators continue to monitor Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving software for possible safety issues.
- European regulators are reviewing the same technology, which could influence future market access.
For now, Tesla owners can breathe a little easier, but the watchdogs remain vigilant as the automaker pushes forward with advanced driver‑assistance features.