Tesla’s robotaxi trials in Austin, Texas, have hit roadblocks, with videos from riders revealing multiple driving errors just days into the public test. The incidents, reported by Reuters, highlight challenges in Tesla’s self-driving software as the company pushes toward autonomous vehicle dominance.

Early Trials, Early Troubles

On the first day of testing, Tesla’s robotaxis—standard Model Y vehicles equipped with advanced software—displayed concerning behaviors. Videos showed vehicles entering the wrong lane, stopping abruptly in busy intersections, and even driving into oncoming traffic lanes for about 6 seconds. In one instance, a robotaxi dropped passengers off in the middle of a six-lane road, prompting criticism from experts.

“Dropping off people in the middle of a six-lane road or edge of a busy intersection when the traffic is going in the opposite direction is pretty dangerous,” said Kara Kockelman, a transportation engineering professor at the University of Texas at Austin, in a Reuters interview.

The fleet, estimated at 10 to 20 vehicles, operates with human safety monitors who occasionally intervene. One video captured a monitor stopping the vehicle when a delivery truck backed up, preventing a potential collision. These issues, documented across at least 11 verified videos, have drawn scrutiny from federal regulators and local officials. A City of Austin spokesperson noted that the police are “actively collaborating with Tesla” to address safety concerns, according to Reuters.

Tesla Robotaxi Mishaps Spark Safety Concerns In Austin Trials

Technical Hurdles in Tesla’s Camera-Only System

Tesla’s reliance on a camera-only perception system appears to contribute to the errors. The Verge reported multiple “phantom braking” incidents, where vehicles stopped suddenly without apparent obstacles, likely misinterpreting shadows or road markings. This issue has plagued Tesla’s self-driving tech for years. In another case, a robotaxi failed to recognize a reversing UPS truck, driving over a curb while attempting to park.

Despite these setbacks, some experts see potential. Alain Kornhauser, a Princeton University professor, argued that the robotaxis “handled the situations very well and likely better than even good drivers,” as quoted in Reuters. He suggested that cautious driving, like slowing near emergency vehicles, reflects a safety-first approach.

Industry Context and Regulatory Outlook

Tesla’s challenges mirror those faced by competitors like Waymo and Cruise, which also encountered traffic mishaps in Austin. Waymo, the only U.S. robotaxi service offering paid rides without human monitors, started public rides via Uber in Austin earlier this year.

Cruise, however, halted operations after a 2023 pedestrian accident. Tesla’s public test, priced at a flat $4.20 per ride, remains limited to handpicked riders and avoids complex intersections or bad weather.

The incidents raise questions about scaling up. Elon Musk aims for “millions of Teslas” operating autonomously by mid-2026, but experts like Philip Koopman from Carnegie Mellon University expressed surprise at the volume of errors so early. “This is awfully early to have a bunch of videos of erratic and poor driving,” Koopman told Reuters. Texas’s new permitting system, which allows regulators to revoke permits for safety risks, could complicate Tesla’s expansion if issues persist.

What’s Next for Tesla’s Robotaxi Vision?

While some riders, like former Tesla program manager Farzad Mesbahi, noted “opportunities for improvement” after being dropped off at an intersection, others reported smooth rides. Tesla is collecting feedback to refine the service, but the lack of mandatory incident reporting in Texas means public videos are the primary evidence of performance. As Tesla navigates technical and regulatory hurdles, the Austin trials underscore the gap between Musk’s ambitious vision and the reality of safe, reliable autonomous driving.