Here’s a running list of all of Tesla’s robotaxi mishaps so far

Tesla's initial robotaxi deployment has encountered significant operational challenges, with early riders documenting numerous incidents including phantom braking, driving on the wrong side of the road, and unsafe passenger drop-offs, despite some positive user experiences. These issues, observed across a small fleet within just three days, raise substantial concerns regarding the scalability and safety of Tesla's autonomous technology, particularly given CEO Elon Musk's ambitious targets for widespread deployment. The lack of mandatory incident reporting in Texas, alongside a new state permitting system that could allow permit revocation for safety risks, further highlights potential regulatory and public perception hurdles for Tesla's robotaxi ambitions.

Analysis

The initial, semi-public deployment of Tesla's robotaxi service has been characterized by significant operational issues that challenge the technology's near-term viability and scalability. Within the first three days of operation, a small fleet of 10-20 vehicles generated numerous user-documented reports of critical failures, including driving on the wrong side of the road, unsafe passenger drop-offs in intersections, and at least three instances of "phantom braking"—a persistent issue with Tesla's camera-only system. These safety-critical incidents stand in stark contrast to CEO Elon Musk's aggressive expansion targets of thousands of vehicles within months and a million by the end of next year. The reliance on social media for incident reporting, due to a lack of mandatory data sharing in Texas, creates an opaque information environment. However, a newly approved state permitting system introduces a material regulatory risk, granting regulators the power to revoke permits for vehicles deemed a safety risk, which could severely impede Tesla's deployment plans.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should closely monitor unofficial channels and social media for further data points on robotaxi performance, as the frequency and severity of safety incidents will be a key leading indicator of public and regulatory acceptance.
• The new Texas permitting system represents a significant, previously unquantified regulatory hurdle; any statements or actions from state regulators regarding Tesla's permit could serve as a major catalyst for the stock.
• Given the substantial gap between the observed performance and stated deployment goals, investors should critically reassess the timeline and execution risk associated with the robotaxi initiative, a key pillar of Tesla's long-term valuation narrative.