Tesla’s “Actual Smart Summon” Feature Under Investigation by NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating 2.56 million Tesla vehicles following several incidents involving the company’s “Actual Smart Summon” (ASS) remote parking feature. This feature, introduced through a software update in September, enables Tesla owners to command their cars to drive themselves using only the vehicle’s cameras.
Unlike its predecessor, Smart Summon, this updated version does not rely on ultrasonic sensors, which are absent in newer Tesla models. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received one formal complaint about a crash linked to the ASS feature and reviewed at least three media reports of similar incidents.
“All four incidents involve the subject Tesla vehicles operating in [ASS] failing to detect posts or parked vehicles, resulting in a crash,” reads the report.
{NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation}
- The report highlights 12 additional complaints related to crashes with the previous Smart Summon feature.
- These complaints describe similar crash scenarios where drivers had insufficient time to react and prevent collisions.
This investigation raises questions about the reliability and safety of autonomous vehicle features, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and refinement before widespread deployment. As technology continues to advance, both manufacturers and regulatory bodies must work together to ensure public safety.
