Tesla is pushing back against early reports suggesting its Autopilot system was engaged during a fatal car crash in Spring, Texas, on April 17, 2021. Two men died after a 2019 Tesla Model S, reportedly with no one in the driver's seat, crashed into a tree and caught fire. Tesla stated that its preliminary data shows Autopilot was not engaged, and the car did not have the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. The outcome of these investigations and any potential regulatory responses could significantly impact public perception and future sales of Tesla vehicles, particularly concerning its advanced driver-assist features.