Tesla and its robotaxis are back on the news, yes, again… As you know, these vehicles have started their testing period before hitting the market in Austin, Texas. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, vehicles designed to run without a driver, lots of hype… But NHTSA regulators are investigating those problems (of course, it’s their work) and it’s that, right after their launch, there are many videos circulating online where the road safety of the robotaxis leaves much to be desired… What happened now, Tesla?
Chronicle of a foretold failure
We’ve spent months watching Tesla brag about its robotaxi project, it was supposed to be the highlight of 2025, and it sure has been, even the company’s stock rose 8% due to this launch.
As the brand pointed out, on the first day the internet was filled with robotaxi videos… showing its operating errors. Yes, illegal maneuvers, sudden braking and driving on the wrong lanes…
Of course, these videos have reached the ears of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and they’ve already confirmed that they’re investigating the case.
The situation is especially delicate because these vehicles are being tested with real passengers, although under the supervision of a human “safety monitor” in the front seat.
Musk’s dream crashes into reality
Musk’s plan is to fill the streets with autonomous driverless cars and make Tesla the absolute reference in smart urban transport (all very nice in his head) for that, he launched ten robotaxis in Austin.
The reality is that the light has revealed very worrying flaws for the city’s road safety. The videos don’t lie, a Tesla turns erratically, ignores a mandatory turn sign and enters an intersection, changing lanes dangerously. In another, the robotaxi brakes violently several times for no apparent reason, possibly for detecting the flashing lights of parked patrol cars.
Authorities and Tesla react
Of course, NHTSA didn’t take long to speak about this: “We are aware of the reported incidents and are in contact with the manufacturer to gather more information”. Even there is no official decision yet, this investigation could lead to regulatory measures or even a suspension of the program. What will happen now? We still don’t know either…
For its part, Tesla remains silent, of course. It has not issued any statement and has avoided responding to the videos, which feeds the uncertainty about how much real control it has over these vehicles.
The competition bites
While Tesla starts with tests that raise suspicions, Waymo (a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google’s parent company) already operates in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix or Los Angeles with 100% autonomous taxis and no one in the front seat… And without breaking traffic laws like Tesla’s robotaxis… And yes, with years of experience in urban environments. Tesla, they passed you on the right…
Meanwhile, Musk plays his own game, tries to project an image of cutting edge but the truth is that his robotaxis are clearly a risky bet (for now).
The impact on the stock market and reputation
Tesla’s stock rose after the program’s announcement, but dropped almost 3% the next day, when the videos went viral. A real rollercoaster that reflects the tension the project creates. And Tesla seems to be going downhill with no brakes lately.
A step forward or a threat?
Tesla really pushes the idea of “bad press is still press” and that’s exactly what happened with the robotaxi launch, it did not go unnoticed.
For now, not for the reasons Musk expected, so now the company has to review its projects and prove that these vehicles are safe, reliable and transparent!