The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an Audit Query to investigate Tesla’s self-certification of the new Cybercab. The agency issued a Special Order requiring Tesla to provide technical documentation supporting its compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards by September 30.
The NHTSA inquiry includes 21 specific requests for information. The agency is seeking clarification on whether the vehicles can be operated by a human using temporary controls and how the company ensures compliance with safety standards like FMVSS No. 108 regarding turn signals in a vehicle designed without traditional controls.
The Cybercab, presented as a robotaxi without a steering wheel, has faced scrutiny following its September 3 launch in Austin. Reports indicate the vehicle may feature a virtual joystick for manual operation. Additionally, users have reported issues with navigation, including a recent 70-minute detour during a trip that should have taken 10 minutes.
Despite these challenges, Tesla remains the leading seller of electric vehicles in the US. Data from Kelley Blue Book shows that in August, Tesla led the market, followed by Toyota, Rivian, Hyundai, and Cadillac. However, Tesla's August sales were 3.8% lower than in July, while total US EV sales in August were down 46.9% compared to 2025.
