FYI: Tesla’s remote feature is under scrutiny as the NHTSA explores potential safety concerns linked to its use.
Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon Feature Under Investigation by NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an inquiry into Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon (ASS) feature following multiple reports of accidents occurring in the U.S. Involving over 2.6 million Tesla vehicles, the investigation seeks to address safety concerns associated with this remote-controlled functionality.
Understanding the Investigation
NHTSA has received reports of four specific incidents where Tesla’s ASS feature was activated, resulting in collisions. The technology, which lets owners summon their Tesla vehicles via a smartphone app, is designed for use in spacious parking areas, allowing the vehicle to navigate toward the owner without anyone inside. Reports highlight cases where the system failed to detect obstacles such as parked cars or structural posts, leading to accidents. Furthermore, users report limited reaction time to prevent these crashes, even with a clear line of sight or by deactivating the feature via the app.
Reported Incidents
- A Tesla Model 3 was involved in a collision with a parked car that had a passenger inside for one such complaint.
- Another incident involved a Model Y making a sudden left turn, colliding with another stationary vehicle.
Vehicle Models and Features Under Examination
The NHTSA’s investigation encompasses various Tesla models, specifically:
- Model S and Model X vehicles from 2016 to 2025
- Model 3 vehicles from 2017 to 2025
- Model Y vehicles from 2020 to 2025
All these models must have the optional Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system installed to be part of the probe.
The Feature’s Capabilities
The Actually Smart Summon system provides users with a live video feed from the car’s perspective on the user’s smartphone, only allowing the car to proceed if a specific button is pressed on the app. As part of the ongoing investigation, the NHTSA plans to review several critical aspects:
- The feature’s maximum operational speed
- Suitability and safety of its use on public roads
- Line of sight configurations
- The effects of connectivity delays
- The system’s overall performance in unexpected environments
Future Steps
Upon conclusion of the preliminary evaluation, the NHTSA will determine whether to lengthen the probe into an engineering analysis phase. Such a development could authorize the agency to implement a recall, which might prompt Tesla to deploy an over-the-air software update to address the identified issues.
Conclusion
As Tesla continues to innovate with autonomous features, scrutiny from safety authorities like the NHTSA underscores the importance of ensured safety and reliability. Regulatory reviews such as this aim to protect consumers while allowing technological advancements to progress beneficially. For more insights and updates on this developing story, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
