Ford is facing tough questions from the top federal safety watchdog over its hands-free driving system, BlueCruise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) hit Ford with 25 detailed questions on June 18. The move marks a critical step in the year-long probe triggered by two deadly crashes involving BlueCruise.
The NHTSA letter demands everything from a list of BlueCruise-equipped vehicles to internal Ford documents about the crashes, the system’s development, and software updates. This is the first major "information request" since the investigation escalated to “engineering analysis” in January—a stage that could lead to a recall.
Ford responded to TechCrunch saying it’s cooperating with regulators. 
The probe opened in April 2024 after two drivers, using BlueCruise, crashed into stationary cars at night. These were the first fatal accidents linked to Ford’s hands-free tech. BlueCruise operates only on pre-mapped highways, controlling steering, speed, and braking via cameras, radar, and software. It includes an in-cabin eye-tracking camera to keep drivers alert. BlueCruise is available on the Ford Explorer, Expedition, F-150, and Mustang Mach-E, costing $495 yearly or $2,495 upfront.
The fatal crashes raised questions about BlueCruise’s ability to spot stationary vehicles in low light. The NHTSA said in January it found “limitations in the detection of stationary vehicles in certain conditions” and reduced performance “when there is poor visibility due to insufficient illumination.”
The new letter specifically asks for details on BlueCruise’s hazard detection logic and algorithms.
Ford has until August 6 to answer or risk civil penalties.
Ford BlueCruise NHTSA investigation letter: PDF
Ford on BlueCruise: Official Site
Ford spokesperson told TechCrunch:
The company is working with the NHTSA to support this investigation.
