NHTSA Complaint #11697190 — 2026 TESLA MODEL Y

I currently have a 2026 Tesla Model Y and was unfortunately involved in a collision due to what appears to be a Full Self-Driving (FSD) software failure. I had engaged FSD mode while driving my child to his doctor’s appointment. The navigation directed me through narrow residential streets. While traveling on a narrwow residential street, I encountered a garbage truck stopped in the middle of the road, blocking traffic. My vehicle came to a stop behind the truck (with FSD engaged and my full attention on the road). The FSD system then began to “lurk” forward, seemingly assessing whether it could pass the truck through a very tight space on the left side. At first, I was uncertain whether there was enough clearance, but I decided to trust the FSD’s judgment, as it relies on multiple exterior cameras for precise distance evaluation—far more accurate than what I could estimate from inside the vehicle. However, as the vehicle attempted to proceed, I immediately heard and felt a long scrape along the right side of my car. It became clear that the FSD system had miscalculated the available space, and the gap was too narrow for my vehicle to pass safely. As a result, the right side of my car sustained significant damage, including both wheel caps/rims, both doors, the side panel, and the rear bumper. The impact occurred against the metal fender of the garbage truck. I am deeply concerned that this incident—caused by a software error—may occur again and to others, resulting in more serious outcomes. I am attaching photos of the vehicle, the accident scene, and the repair estimate.