Is Tesla Stock a Buy in September 2026?

In September 2026, Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) may or may not be a buy, depending on whether the company successfully turns autonomous driving into a high-return business. The Cybercab, Tesla's self-driving taxi, is already available to paying customers in Austin, Texas. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is auditing Tesla's self-certification of the Cybercab, raising questions about its safety and compliance with federal standards.

Tesla is investing heavily in the future, with capital expenditures expected to exceed $25 billion in 2026. While the company has made progress, including expanding its Robotaxi service to seven U.S. markets and beginning production of the Cybercab and Optimus humanoid robot, it remains unclear whether these investments will generate long-term shareholder returns.

Tesla's stock is currently priced at a high valuation, assuming the company's long-term story will pan out. Investors should watch Tesla closely, but not chase the stock.