Crash of self-driving Tesla under review

DETROIT — U.S. auto safety regulators are looking into a complaint from a Tesla driver that the company’s “Full Self-Driving” software caused a crash.

The driver was beta testing the “Full Self-Driving” software, and the Tesla SUV went into the wrong lane and was hit by another vehicle, according to a complaint filed by the driver with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The vehicle, a 2021 Tesla Model Y small SUV, gave the driver an alert halfway through the turn, and the driver tried to turn the wheel to avoid other traffic, according to the complaint. But the car took control and “forced itself into the incorrect lane, creating an unsafe maneuver putting everyone involved at risk,” the driver wrote.

No one was injured in the crash, but the Model Y was severely damaged on the driver’s side, according to the complaint filed with the agency online last week and posted in its public complaint database.

The crash happened on Nov. 3, and the driver’s location is Brea, Calif., but the location of the crash was not identified. Safety administration does not release names of those who file complaints.

It is likely the first complaint filed with the agency alleging that “Full Self-Driving” software caused a crash. A message was left Friday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations department.

A safety administration spokeswoman said Friday the agency is aware of the complaint and is communicating with Tesla to get more information.