Tesla reveals two Robotaxi crashes involving teleoperators

Tesla's Robotaxi initiative has encountered its share of setbacks, with two recorded crashes involving teleoperators who were remotely controlling the vehicles since July 2025. These incidents, which occurred in Austin, Texas, took place at low speeds and did not involve any passengers, as a safety monitor was present behind the wheel during both occurrences. This revelation comes on the heels of Tesla's recent disclosures to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where the company had previously kept crash details confidential. However, the latest data now includes comprehensive descriptions of all 17 reported crashes involving Tesla’s fledgling Robotaxi fleet. The first incident in July 2025 involved Tesla's automated driving system (ADS) struggling to move forward while halted on a street. The safety monitor sought assistance from Tesla’s remote support, prompting a teleoperator to take control. The operator gradually increased speed but ended up driving the Tesla onto the curb, colliding with a metal fence. A similar situation arose in January 2026 when the ADS was driving straight along a road. Again, a safety monitor requested help, resulting in the teleoperator taking control. This time, the vehicle made contact with a temporary barricade at a construction site while traveling at approximately 9 mph, damaging the front-left fender and tire. While Tesla's Robotaxi program has seen fewer reported crashes compared to competitors like Waymo, the incidents highlight some operational challenges. Notably, two crashes involved the Robotaxi clipping mirrors on other vehicles. In one September 2025 incident, a Tesla failed to avoid a dog that darted into the street, although it was reported that the animal escaped unharmed. Another crash saw a Robotaxi making an unprotected left turn into a parking lot, resulting in a collision with a metal chain. Elon Musk has acknowledged that ensuring the safety of their vehicles is a significant factor hindering the rapid expansion of Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing network. The company is taking a cautious approach as it navigates the complexities of scaling its innovative technology amidst these challenges.