Tesla FSD Under Scrutiny Again: California Model 3 Crashes into Railroad Barrier, Raising Safety Concerns

Recently, a California Tesla Model 3 owner posted dashcam footage on social media claiming that while using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, the vehicle failed to detect lowered railroad crossing gates near West Covina and plowed through them at 23 mph. Because the height of the barrier aligned with the front-facing camera, FSD did not recognize the obstacle or initiate braking. Although the driver applied the brakes at the moment of impact, the collision could not be avoided. This incident has reignited concerns about FSD’s safety. Despite being classified only as a Level 2 driver-assistance system—requiring constant driver supervision—many users have reported that it struggles to recognize basic traffic infrastructure. This is not an isolated case: previously, a Model 3 operating with FSD enabled in Pennsylvania mistakenly drove onto train tracks and was struck by a train. The event has drawn attention from U.S. senators, who have sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), urging a special investigation into FSD’s performance at railroad crossings.