Senators Demand Tesla FSD Safety Probe as Goldman Raises Q2 Delivery to 420,000
TSLA•Two Democratic senators requested NHTSA probe Tesla’s FSD safety data, citing flawed comparisons and use of a five-second crash window versus the agency’s 30-second standard. Goldman Sachs lifted its Q2 delivery forecast to 420,000 units while shares fell about 2% on the news.
1. Senators Request NHTSA Probe of FSD Safety Data
On June 16, Democratic Senators Edward Markey and Richard Blumenthal urged NHTSA to independently verify Tesla’s Full Self-Driving safety claims. They highlighted flawed comparisons underpinning the assertion that FSD is up to ten times safer than human drivers, criticized the five-second post-disengagement crash window and data redactions, and set a July 6 deadline for a written agency response.
2. Ongoing NHTSA Investigations and Engineering Analysis
NHTSA already has multiple active probes into Tesla’s driver-assistance systems, including an Engineering Analysis covering about 3.2 million vehicles. That advanced investigation examines FSD’s ability to detect camera impairments from sun glare, fog, and airborne particles and whether it issues timely warnings to drivers, a stage that often precedes a recall.
3. Impact on Delivery Forecast and Market Reaction
Goldman Sachs raised its Q2 delivery estimate to 420,000 units from 405,000, reflecting stronger than expected demand. Tesla shares closed down roughly 2% following the intensified regulatory scrutiny and mixed delivery outlook.
