Tesla Probes to Intensify Under New NHTSA Chief Jonathan Morrison

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the nation’s top auto safety agency, placing a former Apple lawyer and Trump-era official in charge of multiple, high-stakes investigations into Tesla’s vehicle safety.

The confirmation, which passed in a 51-47 vote on Thursday, according to Reuters, fills a three-year leadership vacuum at the agency and signals a more assertive regulatory stance on advanced vehicle technologies. Morrison will now oversee a series of critical safety probes into the electric vehicle giant, including issues with self-driving technology and faulty door handles.

Morrison’s confirmation comes as NHTSA ramps up its scrutiny of Tesla’s safety record. The agency is currently investigating several pressing issues, from potentially hazardous electronic door latches to the performance of the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. His appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for an agency that has faced criticism for its perceived slow pace in regulating emerging automotive technologies.

In a statement, Morrison emphasized the need for proactive oversight, declaring, “NHTSA cannot sit back and wait for problems to arise with such developing technologies, but must demonstrate strong leadership”.

Intensifying Scrutiny of Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD

Under Morrison’s direction, NHTSA will continue its investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving technology. This probe was initiated in October 2024 following four collisions, one of which was fatal, where the advanced driver-assistance system was engaged. The investigation focuses on the system’s performance in low-visibility conditions and aims to determine if the technology complied with federal safety requirements.

Compounding the pressure, NHTSA is also examining Tesla’s compliance with crash reporting mandates. In August 2025, the agency launched a probe after discovering significant delays in Tesla’s submission of crash reports involving its driver-assistance systems, CNBC reported. According to federal law, automakers are required to report such incidents within five days. Tesla attributed the delays to data collection issues that it claims have since been resolved, but the company now faces a comprehensive audit to ensure full compliance [2].

Door Handle Failures and Other Safety Concerns

Beyond software, NHTSA is addressing potential hardware defects. This week, the agency opened a preliminary evaluation into 174,000 Tesla Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year over reports of electronic door handles failing. The issue has led to alarming situations where occupants, including children, have been trapped inside. In at least four reported cases, parents were forced to break a window to retrieve their children from the vehicle. The preliminary investigation suggests that the failures may be linked to insufficient voltage from the vehicle’s low-voltage battery [3].

Another ongoing investigation, opened in January 2025, concerns a feature that allows users to move their vehicles remotely, which has been linked to several crashes. These probes underscore the growing pains of an industry rapidly adopting new technologies and the regulatory challenges that follow.

Ongoing NHTSA Investigations into Tesla

• Full Self-Driving (FSD): 2.4 million vehicles; investigating performance after four collisions, including one fatality.
• Crash Reporting Delays: Audit to determine compliance with five-day reporting rule for crashes involving ADAS.
• Model Y Door Handles: 174,000 vehicles; investigating electronic door handle failures trapping occupants.
• Remote-Control Feature: 2.6 million vehicles; investigating crashes linked to remote vehicle movement.

EVXL’s Take

The confirmation of Jonathan Morrison marks a critical juncture for both NHTSA and the EV industry. With a permanent leader at the helm for the first time in three years, the agency is poised to take a more decisive role in shaping the future of automotive safety. The multiple, overlapping investigations into Tesla—a company that has long defined itself by its technological ambition—highlight the urgent need for clear and robust regulatory frameworks. Morrison’s background at both Apple and a previous stint at NHTSA suggests he brings a unique understanding of the intersection between technology and regulation.

The central question is whether this renewed regulatory focus will accelerate the development of safer autonomous systems or stifle innovation. For Tesla, the stakes could not be higher. The outcomes of these investigations will not only impact its bottom line but also its reputation as a leader in the EV space. For consumers, the hope is that this new chapter at NHTSA will lead to safer roads and greater confidence in the vehicles of tomorrow.

What are your thoughts on this new era of oversight? Share your perspective in the comments below.