New crash data highlights the slow progress of Tesla’s robotaxis

Newly unredacted data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that at least two Tesla robotaxi crashes involving remote operators occurred in Austin, Texas, since July 2025. This development highlights ongoing safety and operational issues in Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing program, which is still in early deployment stages.

According to the NHTSA data obtained by TechCrunch, both crashes took place while a safety monitor was behind the wheel, and no passengers were onboard at the time. In one incident from July 2025, a remote operator took control after requesting assistance, increased the vehicle’s speed, and drove it up a curb, resulting in contact with a metal fence. Another crash in January 2026 involved a remote operator making contact with a construction barricade at approximately 9 miles per hour.

Tesla first disclosed in March 2025 that it allows remote operators to control its robotaxis, a practice distinct from other autonomous services which typically involve remote monitoring rather than direct driving. Not all of Tesla’s recent incidents involved remote operation; some involved minor collisions, such as clipping mirrors, or an incident where a robotaxi could not avoid hitting a dog, which survived.

In addition to safety issues, reports from Reuters indicate that Tesla’s robotaxi service faces operational challenges, including long wait times—up to two hours for a trip that normally takes 20 minutes—and drop-offs several miles away from intended destinations within coverage areas.

Why It Matters

This matters because it underscores the slow and uneven progress of Tesla’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. Safety concerns raised by crashes during remote operation could impact regulatory approval and public trust. Moreover, operational inefficiencies like long wait times threaten the commercial viability of Tesla’s robotaxi service, especially compared to competitors like Waymo, which have more mature autonomous fleets.

Background

Tesla announced in March 2025 that it permits remote control of its robotaxis, a departure from industry norms. Since then, the company has been gradually deploying these vehicles in Austin, Texas, where the service launched in June 2025. Prior to this, Tesla had not publicly disclosed detailed crash data, and the recent unredaction by NHTSA offers new insights into ongoing safety issues. Other autonomous providers, such as Waymo, have also experienced crashes and software glitches, but Tesla’s approach of remote driving adds unique safety and operational concerns.

“Tesla’s reliance on remote operators to drive its robotaxis introduces new safety risks that are still being understood.”

— an industry analyst

“Tesla continuously works to improve the safety and reliability of its autonomous systems.”

— a Tesla spokesperson

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how many total crashes involving Tesla’s robotaxis have occurred beyond those reported, or how widespread the issues are across different cities. The full extent of safety risks associated with remote operation remains under investigation, and regulatory responses are still pending.

What’s Next

Regulators are expected to review the unredacted crash data, which could influence future oversight or restrictions on Tesla’s robotaxi deployment. Tesla may also continue refining its remote control procedures and autonomous software. Further crash data and operational metrics are likely to emerge as the company expands or adjusts its service areas.

Key Questions

What is the significance of remote drivers in Tesla’s robotaxi crashes?

Remote drivers are responsible for controlling Tesla’s robotaxis during some incidents, which raises safety concerns about the reliability of autonomous systems and the safety protocols in place.

How does Tesla’s approach differ from other autonomous vehicle services?

Unlike competitors like Waymo, which primarily use remote monitoring to oversee autonomous operation, Tesla permits remote drivers to take full control, including driving the vehicle directly, which can introduce additional safety risks.

Are these crashes indicative of broader safety issues?

While the crashes are concerning, they are currently limited in number. However, they highlight ongoing safety challenges that Tesla and regulators will need to address as the technology is further deployed.

What are the operational challenges Tesla’s robotaxi service faces?

Reports indicate long wait times, sometimes up to two hours, and frequent drop-offs outside the intended area, which could hinder the service’s commercial viability and customer satisfaction.