Tesla Presents Self-Declared Safety Data in Europe
Tesla Inc., NASDAQ stock symbol: TSLA, has presented self-declared safety data to regulators in Sweden and the Netherlands for approval of its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system. However, these data are considered misleading according to independent traffic safety researchers.
Information From Investigation Report
The investigative report published by Reuters found that the electric vehicle maker relied on invalid data comparisons and unrealistic assumptions to exaggerate the safety performance of its FSD driver assistance technology, increasing Tesla's safety advantage by about three times.
Errors in the Calculation of Safety Data
Traffic safety researchers reviewed internal documents and correspondence, finding multiple errors in the way Tesla structures its safety statements:
- Tesla calculates the FSD accident rate using only incidents that activate airbags or pyrotechnic protection devices.
- This data is compared to the U.S. national crash average, which includes thousands of minor crashes that do not result in personal injury.
- Tesla compared its safety data with older cars, which lack the modern collision prevention technologies that Tesla cars are equipped with.
Average Status of Vehicles in the United States
The average vehicle in the United States is more than a decade old, meaning they lack modern active and passive safety features like automatic emergency braking and advanced airbags that help reduce accident rates.
Misinformation From Tesla
The report also points out that Tesla's telematics and safety reports may have skewed the risk profile of Autopilot and FSD. In fact, Autopilot is often used on tightly controlled highways, resulting in the system accumulating mileage that is not proportional to the risk compared to manual driving.
Dutch Government Telephone and Norwegian Roads Administration
Tesla is currently navigating through Europe's complex regulatory framework, applying for individual country approvals while seeking general approval with mixed results. After more than a year of testing, the Dutch road agency RDW granted type approval to Tesla's FSD in April 2026.
Comparing Approvals Across Countries
| Nation | FSD Approval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Have | Based on independent testing and audited data |
| Norway | Warning | Self-produced data are not compatible with official accident statistics |
Current and Future Situation
Currently, Tesla is facing a lot of backlash. On Sunday, anti-G7 protesters in Geneva burned a Tesla car in demonstrations against economic inequality and corporate power. This sees the company and its billionaire CEO become a focal point in broader political and social debates.
Conclude
With European regulators considering widespread deployment of FSD technology across the continent, scrutiny over the safety claims of advanced driver assistance systems is certain to increase.