The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a preliminary investigation into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. due to crash reports involving its “Actually Smart Summon” feature. This follows a 2023 fatal collision and other accidents linked to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The inquiry focuses on the feature’s safety and functionality after instances where vehicles failed to detect obstacles or parked cars while being remotely operated. Users reportedly faced difficulties reacting in time to avoid crashes, raising concerns about the system’s reliability.
Actually Smart Summon Feature Under Scrutiny
Launched in September, the Actually Smart Summon feature allows Tesla owners to move their vehicles remotely via a smartphone app. Unlike its predecessor, which managed simple forward or backward movements into parking spots, the new system facilitates more advanced maneuvers, such as directing the car to the user’s location. However, reports of crashes involving inadequate obstacle detection have prompted the NHTSA to evaluate the feature. This includes assessing its maximum speed, operation on public roads, and responsiveness under unforeseen conditions.
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The investigation involves Tesla Model S (2016-2025), Model X (2016-2025), Model 3 (2017-2025), and Model Y (2020-2025) equipped with optional FSD systems. Specific complaints include a 2023 incident in Houston where a Model 3 hit a parked car with a passenger inside and a September 2023 crash in Nevada involving a Model Y abruptly turning and striking another parked vehicle. These reports highlight potential risks associated with the feature’s performance and user control.
Tesla’s Previous Recalls and Safety Challenges
Tesla previously recalled over two million U.S. vehicles in December 2023 to enhance safeguards in its Autopilot driver-assistance system. The adequacy of this recall is still under NHTSA evaluation, given ongoing concerns about driver inattentiveness during system use. Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s focus on advancing self-driving technology and transitioning to robotaxis has increased scrutiny of the company’s safety protocols, especially for its autonomous features.
The heightened investigation reflects growing concerns about the safety of advanced driver-assistance technologies. Tesla’s stock dropped by 4% amid the news, and the company has yet to comment. If the NHTSA escalates the probe to an engineering analysis, it could lead to a recall of the affected models. As Tesla continues to push boundaries in autonomous driving, ensuring the safety and reliability of such systems remains critical to their broader acceptance and implementation.
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