US Safety Regulators Investigating Tesla’s Secret Crash Test

• NHTSA reviewing whether Tesla conducted an undeclared crash test
• Concerns follow video footage showing Model 3 collision test in Ohio
• Investigation could lead to formal recall if rules were breached

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing whether Tesla violated federal regulations by conducting a crash test that was not officially reported.

Regulators are scrutinising a video posted online showing a Tesla Model 3 undergoing a frontal crash test at the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio. The footage, originally posted by the YouTube channel “Wham Baam Teslacam,” raised questions about whether the test was conducted without informing NHTSA — a possible breach of federal vehicle safety rules.

NHTSA spokesperson Veronica Morales confirmed the agency is “aware of the test and is gathering information from Tesla to understand the purpose.” She added that if Tesla failed to report the test, it could face consequences ranging from civil penalties to a vehicle recall, depending on the findings.

The video, shared in June, shows a Model 3 colliding with a barrier at speed, followed by aerial drone footage and audio commentary suggesting it was a clandestine test of Tesla’s new crash safety structure. Observers have speculated that it relates to Tesla’s updated “unboxed” vehicle platform — part of a future manufacturing overhaul.

Tesla has not issued a public response or commented on the nature of the test.

Under U.S. law, automakers must report certain safety tests and outcomes to regulators, especially those related to vehicles already in production or nearing release. Failure to do so may constitute a violation of federal safety regulations.

This inquiry adds to the growing list of federal investigations Tesla is currently facing, including multiple probes into its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

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