Tesla’s Robotaxi network has been involved in at least two crashes caused by remote human operators, according to newly unredacted crash reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both incidents occurred in Austin, Texas, at low speeds, with a safety monitor in the vehicle and no passengers onboard.
The first crash took place in July 2025, shortly after Tesla launched its Robotaxi network in Austin. After the automated driving system (ADS) had trouble moving forward while stopped, a safety monitor requested remote assistance. A teleoperator took control, increased speed, and turned the vehicle — driving it up a curb and into a metal fence. A second incident followed in January 2026, when a teleoperator took over a stopped vehicle and drove it straight into a temporary construction barricade at approximately 9 mph, scraping the front-left fender and tire.
Tesla had previously told lawmakers that remote operators are permitted to pilot vehicles at speeds under 10 mph to move cars from compromising positions, avoiding the need to dispatch a first responder or field representative.
Until this week, Tesla had redacted all narrative descriptions in its NHTSA crash filings, citing confidential business information. The company reversed that practice, and the latest NHTSA data now includes descriptions for all 17 crashes recorded since Tesla began operating its Robotaxi network. The reason for the change was not disclosed.
Among the other newly revealed incidents: a Tesla Robotaxi struck a dog that ran into the street in September 2025 (the dog was reported to have run away), and a separate vehicle clipped a metal chain while making an unprotected left turn into a parking lot that same month.
While companies like Waymo and Zoox have reported more total crashes, Tesla is operating at significantly smaller scale. CEO Elon Musk acknowledged last month that safety is the primary factor limiting the network’s expansion, saying the company is being “very cautious.”
Source: TechCrunch