A recent crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode has raised fresh concerns about the reliability of the company’s autonomous software. This incident comes just days after CEO Elon Musk announced plans to launch a paid robotaxi service later this year.
The crash took place in Reno, Nevada, when the Cybertruck failed to merge out of an ending lane, struck a curb, and collided with a pole. While the vehicle was in FSD mode, a human driver was still required to be in control.
Driver Issues Warning After Crash
The driver, Jonathan Challinger, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience and warn others.
“Don’t make the same mistake I did. Pay attention. It is easy to get complacent now – don’t,” Challinger wrote, tagging Musk. “Spread my message and help save others from the same fate or far worse.”
A police report seen by Reuters noted that unknown mechanical issues may have contributed to the vehicle veering off course and hitting the pole.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Tesla has faced repeated scrutiny and investigations over its driver-assistance technology due to numerous crashes, including some fatal incidents. However, Musk recently dismissed concerns, highlighting the “immense improvement” of Tesla’s latest FSD version (V13).
Despite this, experts believe the latest Cybertruck accident is a warning sign that Tesla’s autonomous technology isn’t ready to remove human drivers.
“The race is on a technology which is not ready for deployment,” said Saber Fallah, a professor at the University of Surrey specializing in Safe AI and Autonomy. He added that Tesla’s AI still struggles with lane endings, merges, and sudden road changes—areas where human drivers naturally adapt better.
Tesla has not responded to requests for comment on the incident.
Tesla’s Robotaxi Plans Face Challenges
Musk has announced that Tesla’s robotaxi trials will begin in Austin, Texas, by June, with expansion to California and other U.S. regions by the end of the year.
A successful rollout of autonomous ride-hailing is crucial for Tesla, as demand for its aging EV lineup declines. Investors are increasingly betting on Musk’s shift toward AI and robotics for the company’s future growth.
Unlike other automakers that use redundant safety technologies, Tesla relies exclusively on cameras rather than radar or LiDAR. While this reduces costs, experts warn that it also makes Tesla’s system more vulnerable in poor visibility conditions like heavy rain, fog, or snow.
Researcher Troy Teslike, who closely tracks Tesla’s sales and technology, said the crash highlights problems with FSD’s nighttime detection, data mapping, and vision-based approach.
“FSD doesn’t seem ready for driverless operation yet,” he warned.