The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" feature following complaints and media reports of crashes linked to the technology.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) began the probe on Jan. 6, after receiving a complaint about a crash allegedly caused by the feature, which enables Tesla vehicles to autonomously navigate parking lots at low speeds. The complaint referenced three additional media-reported crashes involving "Actually Smart Summon." According to the NHTSA, the crashes occurred when the system failed to detect stationary objects, such as posts and parked vehicles.
In its official statement, the ODI noted, “ODI has received 12 Smart Summon-related (Vehicle Owner’s Questionnaire) VOQs alleging crash typology similar to the crashes experienced by users of Actually Smart Summon during sessions with little time for operators to react.”
The investigation will examine whether "Actually Smart Summon" poses safety risks by limiting users' ability to intervene during emergencies. The system requires operators to hold a smartphone app button to control the vehicle's movement and stop it, but reports suggest that limited reaction time and restricted visibility contributed to the incidents.
Tesla has not yet responded publicly to the investigation. The company has previously marketed the feature as a significant advancement in convenience and autonomy for drivers.
As the investigation continues, the NHTSA aims to assess the system's safety and determine whether regulatory action or recalls are warranted. Updates on the investigation are expected in the coming weeks.
