The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into approximately 2.6 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the "Actually Smart Summon" feature. This function allows users to remotely maneuver their cars using a smartphone app. The probe follows reports of collisions where vehicles failed to detect obstacles, such as poles or parked cars, while operating in this mode. Drivers reportedly had minimal time to prevent these accidents.
This preliminary analysis will assess various aspects of the "Actually Smart Summon" system, including its maximum speed, usage on public roads, and operational visibility conditions. The investigation encompasses Tesla Model S, X, 3, and Y vehicles from 2016 to 2025 that are equipped with the optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. This scrutiny comes on the heels of a previous NHTSA investigation in October into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles with FSD software, prompted by reports of four crashes, including a fatality in 2023.
Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems have been under increasing examination. In December 2023, the company recalled over two million vehicles to implement new safety measures. Additionally, the NHTSA has expressed concerns about Tesla's public communications suggesting that its vehicles can operate autonomously, which contradicts user manuals indicating the need for human supervision.
The investigation into "Actually Smart Summon" adds to the regulatory challenges Tesla faces regarding its autonomous driving technologies. The NHTSA's focus on the system's performance, especially in detecting obstacles and providing drivers with adequate reaction time, underscores the importance of ensuring these features operate safely under various conditions.
As Tesla continues to develop and promote its autonomous driving capabilities, this latest probe highlights the critical need for rigorous testing and clear communication about the limitations and proper use of such technologies. The outcome of the NHTSA's investigation may have significant implications for the future deployment and regulation of advanced driver-assistance systems in the automotive industry.
