Tesla Stock Dips as U.S. Opens Major Probe Into Self-Driving Safety Risks

Oct. 9 Tesla TSLA shares fell about 2% on Thursday morning after U.S. auto safety regulators began a new investigation into nearly 3 million vehicles equipped with the company's Full Self-Driving system, according to a Thursday statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The agency said it is reviewing reports that some Tesla cars failed to obey red traffic lights or moved incorrectly during lane changes while the system was active. The Full Self-Driving feature is marketed as a driver-assistance tool that requires drivers to remain attentive and ready to intervene.

NHTSA said it had received six crash reports involving Tesla vehicles that entered intersections against red signals, resulting in collisions with other cars. Four of those incidents led to injuries, the regulator said.

The new inquiry marks the latest in a series of safety reviews into Tesla's driver-assistance technology. In September, NHTSA also opened a preliminary probe into Model Y door handles following reports that children were briefly trapped inside due to design issues.

Tesla has not commented on the latest investigation.