NHTSA opened Audit Query AQ26002 on September 3, 2026 targeting about 1,000 Cybercabs in Austin.
The audit will check if Tesla bypassed federal safety rules when certifying the steering-wheel-free Cybercab.
NHTSA is separately probing Full Self-Driving software across roughly 3.2 million Tesla vehicles.
Tesla began charging fares for Cybercab rides in Austin on September 3, 2026. Federal safety regulators responded the same day.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened Audit Query AQ26002 covering about 1,000 Cybercabs. The focus is how the two-seat robotaxi, built with no steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors, was certified under crash rules designed for traditional cars.
