Tesla reports first Cybercab crash as Austin robotaxi wreck totals increase

Tesla reported its first-ever Cybercab crash to federal safety regulators, marking the first incident in Texas for the purpose-built robotaxi. The crash occurred on Barton Springs Road during a rainstorm, and the vehicle was damaged when it drove at about 5 mph into a large pothole filled with water. The Cybercab was occupied by a safety monitor but had no passengers. The crash was among 24 robotaxi crashes in Texas in the four weeks ending Sept. 15, with nine crashes in Austin. Tesla has not entered the San Antonio market, and Waymo, the industry leader, reported eight crashes, five of which were in Austin, with a total of 140 crashes since June 2025. The crash in Houston involved a human-driven vehicle that spun out of control, and a Waymo vehicle hit a barrier wall, with a test driver being transported to the hospital.

Tesla reported eight crashes across the state, three of which were in Austin. Its crash count in the capital city is now 26 since June 2025. Avride reported two crashes in Dallas, keeping its tally in Austin at 27. Zoox reported one new crash, for a total of four Austin incidents. Waymo’s safety impact report noted that across five major metro service areas, its vehicles were involved in 841 fewer injury-causing crashes through June 2026 — 82% fewer than the number for comparable miles driven by humans. The Houston incident was a rare crash on a highway or freeway. PlusAI is growing its presence in Texas, with a trial for a daily 600-mile route along the I-35 corridor between Laredo and Temple. CEO David Liu discussed the public perception of autonomous big rigs and their safety, emphasizing the importance of a flawless safety record.

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