Tesla is navigating some turbulent waters, both legally and technically, as it faces a new class-action lawsuit from its shareholders. This legal action, filed in Texas, accuses the company of misleading investors by exaggerating the effectiveness and legality of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) and robotaxi technologies. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla made significantly false and misleading statements about the capabilities of its autonomous features.
Amidst these legal challenges, Tesla’s recent pilot program for robotaxis in Austin, launched quietly in June 2025, is drawing attention—and concern. Early footage reveals these autonomous vehicles swerving into incorrect lanes, braking suddenly, and even stopping awkwardly in the middle of crosswalks. The growing regulatory scrutiny has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reach out to Tesla for more information, suggesting that formal regulatory actions could soon follow.
Currently, the NHTSA is investigating at least 40 incidents related to Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD technologies. The company’s usual response to such safety concerns has been to deploy over-the-air software updates instead of engaging in full recalls.
Interestingly, despite the unfolding controversy, Tesla’s stock saw a 2% increase following a post by Elon Musk. However, the company has yet to share a timeline or technical details for its upcoming FSD model, rumored to be significantly larger. As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Tesla navigates these challenges and what the future holds for its ambitious autonomous driving goals.
