TL;DR
Tesla has publicly disclosed 17 robotaxi crashes over nine months, with at least two incidents where remote human drivers caused the accidents in Austin. The details highlight ongoing safety and operational concerns in Tesla’s autonomous vehicle program.
Tesla has publicly disclosed details of 17 robotaxi crashes occurring between July 2025 and March 2026, including two incidents in Austin where human remote drivers were involved in causing the accidents.
Tesla’s recent submission to a federal crash database reveals that, over the past nine months, 17 incidents involving its robotaxi fleet have been recorded. Among these, two crashes in Austin involved remote human operators actively driving the vehicles into objects on the street at speeds below 10 mph. In July 2025, a safety monitor was injured after the remote driver drove the car into a fence after the vehicle stopped on the roadside. In January 2026, another incident occurred when a remote driver collided with a construction barricade after requesting navigation assistance. Tesla reported no passenger injuries in these cases.
These incidents highlight the role of human remote operators who oversee Tesla’s autonomous vehicles, a practice that differs from other AV companies that typically limit remote intervention to software input rather than direct driving. Tesla’s approach allows remote drivers to take control more frequently, raising safety questions. Tesla did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment, and the company’s current robotaxi operations are limited to three Texas cities, with fewer than 100 vehicles active, and service delays reported in Houston and Dallas.
Why It Matters
The disclosure underscores ongoing safety concerns with Tesla’s autonomous vehicle operations, especially regarding the safety of remote human drivers who can directly control the vehicles. It also raises questions about the reliability and safety of Tesla’s robotaxi service, which is still in early deployment with limited coverage and availability. The incidents could influence regulatory scrutiny and public perception of autonomous vehicle safety.
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Background
Tesla has been operating its robotaxi service in Texas since April 2025, with a fleet of fewer than 100 vehicles compared to competitors like Waymo, which operates nearly 4,000. Tesla has historically been secretive about crash data but has now begun releasing incident details following federal reporting requirements. These disclosures come amid broader industry debates about the safety of remote intervention in autonomous driving and Tesla’s unique approach to remote control, which allows more direct driving by remote operators.
“The new details on these crashes raise questions about what the teleoperator can see and experience in both coverage and resolution, and what kind of latency they are experiencing while driving.”
— Noah Goodall, independent researcher
“Tesla did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.”
— Tesla
Data Analytics for Intelligent Transportation Systems
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear why Tesla’s crash data has only recently been made public, or how widespread the safety issues may be. The full extent of the incidents involving remote drivers and their safety implications remain under investigation. Regulatory responses and Tesla’s future operational plans are also still uncertain.
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What’s Next
Regulators may scrutinize Tesla’s remote driving practices further, potentially leading to new safety regulations. Tesla is expected to continue its limited robotaxi operations in Texas, with updates on fleet expansion and safety measures likely in the coming months. Additional incident disclosures could follow as more data becomes available.
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Key Questions
Why are Tesla’s remote drivers allowed to actively drive the cars?
Tesla’s approach differs from other companies by permitting remote drivers to take direct control, including steering and braking, in complex situations or when the vehicle is non-responsive. Tesla has stated this is part of their safety protocol during early deployment phases.
Are these crashes common among autonomous vehicle operators?
Remote intervention is a feature used by some AV companies, but Tesla’s frequency of remote driving and crashes involving remote control appears higher than industry norms, raising safety concerns that are now under scrutiny.
What are the safety risks of remote driving in autonomous vehicles?
Remote driving can be challenged by connectivity issues, latency, and limited situational awareness, which may lead to accidents or near-misses, especially in complex urban environments.
Will Tesla face regulatory action because of these incidents?
It is not yet clear, but the disclosures could prompt regulatory review or new safety requirements for remote-controlled autonomous vehicles in the US.
What is Tesla’s current status of robotaxi deployment?
Tesla operates fewer than 100 robotaxis in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, with service delays and limited availability reported in these cities.
