Tesla’s robotaxi program hits a milestone — unfortunately, for the wrong reason. The first recorded accident involving a Tesla robotaxi happened this week in Austin, Texas. The vehicle grazed a parked Toyota Camry outside a busy restaurant, causing no severe damage or injuries. This incident spotlights ongoing safety concerns as Tesla advances its autonomous ride service.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
A YouTube user known as Dirty Tesla captured the robotaxi accident near Home Slice Pizza in Austin’s crowded parking lot. The Tesla Model Y had just dropped off a passenger and was maneuvering out of a tight alleyway. Suddenly, after stopping, it turned left and lightly grazed the right tire of the nearby parked Toyota.
No one was hurt, and damage was minimal. Dirty Tesla credited the safety operator onboard for stopping the car “just in time.” Still, questions remain about what caused the Tesla to make such an unusual maneuver in a low-speed, controlled setting.
This event follows recent viral clips showing Tesla robotaxis making traffic errors, including driving in the wrong lane and abruptly braking near a police car. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already launched an investigation into Tesla’s rollout of its robotaxi service.
“NHTSA is assessing these reports and will take action to protect road safety,” a spokesperson told Bloomberg.
Tesla’s autonomous vehicle division is vital to the company’s future strategy. Yet, the robotaxi program faces other obstacles amid falling overall vehicle deliveries. Tesla sales dropped 14% year-over-year to 384,122 cars in Q2 2025.
Tesla also contends with vandalism linked to protests supporting the DOGE cryptocurrency and intensifying competition from Chinese automakers, such as BYD.
TF Summary: What’s Next
The first Tesla robotaxi accident in Austin raises important safety questions as the company expands its autonomous services. NHTSA’s ongoing investigation may lead to new regulations or operational changes.
Tesla’s robotaxi program remains a cornerstone of its vision. But safety and public trust must improve for wide-scale adoption. Watch for regulatory responses and Tesla’s adjustments in the upcoming months.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech