Federal Probe Launched Into Tesla’s Smart Summon Technology
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into 2.56 million Tesla vehicles following multiple crash incidents involving the company’s “Actual Smart Summon” (ASS) feature. This remote parking functionality has come under scrutiny after reports of collisions with stationary objects.
What Is Actual Smart Summon?
- Released via software update in September 2024
- Allows vehicle owners to summon their car using only the Tesla app
- Relies solely on camera systems (unlike previous versions that used ultrasonic sensors)
- Designed for low-speed, short-distance autonomous movement
Investigation Details
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has documented:
- 1 formal consumer complaint alleging an ASS-related crash
- 3 additional crash incidents reported by media outlets
- 12 similar complaints regarding the previous Smart Summon feature
According to the official NHTSA report, all incidents share a common pattern:
“The subject Tesla vehicles operating in ASS mode failed to detect posts or parked vehicles, resulting in collisions with limited driver reaction time.”
Safety Concerns and Next Steps
The investigation will examine:
- The system’s object detection capabilities
- Potential software or hardware limitations
- Driver alert systems and reaction time requirements
This probe follows Tesla’s transition to camera-only autonomous systems, raising questions about the technology’s reliability compared to previous sensor-equipped models. The NHTSA has not yet issued any recalls but continues to monitor the situation closely.
What Tesla Owners Should Know
While the investigation continues, Tesla drivers using Smart Summon features should:
- Remain vigilant when activating autonomous functions
- Maintain clear line of sight with their vehicle
- Be prepared to take immediate manual control if needed
As autonomous vehicle technology evolves, this investigation highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in increasingly sophisticated driver-assistance systems.
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