Tesla is once again under the microscope as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it has opened a preliminary investigation into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. The probe is centered around the automaker’s “Actually Smart Summon” feature, a remote driving technology designed to allow Tesla owners to move their vehicles using a smartphone app. This move follows reports of four crashes where the feature allegedly failed to properly detect obstacles, including posts and parked vehicles, raising concerns about its safety and real-world functionality.

The investigation covers Tesla’s 2016-2025 Model S and Model X, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles equipped with the optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver assistance system. NHTSA’s focus will be on assessing the safety and performance of the feature, which allows users to remotely maneuver their vehicles toward a desired location, such as where they are standing or a selected spot in a parking lot. The technology has drawn criticism after users reported incidents where they had too little time to intervene and stop the vehicle from hitting an obstacle.

The Origins of the Actually Smart Summon Feature

Tesla introduced “Actually Smart Summon” in September as an evolution of its original Summon feature, which enabled vehicles to move forward or backward into or out of parking spaces. With the updated technology, the vehicle can autonomously navigate short distances to reach the user. However, NHTSA has expressed concerns about the system’s maximum speed, its functionality on public roads, and the line-of-sight requirements that may leave it vulnerable in complex or unexpected conditions.

Critics have pointed to the potential risks of relying on smartphone connectivity for controlling a multi-ton vehicle, as connectivity delays could further impair reaction times in emergency situations. These factors, combined with reports of collisions, have prompted the NHTSA to assess whether the technology is suitable for real-world deployment or if additional safeguards are needed.

The Crash Reports and Tesla’s Scrutiny

The investigation follows four reported crashes involving Actually Smart Summon, including incidents where the feature failed to detect stationary objects such as posts or parked cars. Users also cited limited reaction time to prevent collisions, even when attempting to stop the vehicle by releasing the app’s control button. These challenges bring into question the practical safety of the feature in crowded parking lots or busy environments, where unpredictability is a constant factor.

Tesla has not yet issued a public comment on the investigation, but this is not the first time its advanced driver assistance systems have faced federal scrutiny. In October, NHTSA opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD software after four reported crashes, including a fatal incident in 2023. That probe is still ongoing, as is a separate review into the adequacy of a previous recall of Tesla’s Autopilot system, which impacted over two million vehicles.

What’s Next for the Investigation?

The current probe into Actually Smart Summon is in the preliminary evaluation stage. NHTSA will review key elements of the system, such as its performance in unanticipated scenarios, how it handles line-of-sight requirements, and whether connectivity delays contribute to accidents. The investigation could escalate to an engineering analysis phase if sufficient safety risks are identified. From there, NHTSA could potentially mandate a recall or require Tesla to implement software updates or additional safeguards.

Tesla has faced increasing pressure as CEO Elon Musk continues to push forward with ambitious goals for self-driving technology and robotaxis. While Musk has touted the capabilities of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance systems, critics argue that some features are being released prematurely, creating risks for both drivers and pedestrians.

A History of Federal Scrutiny

Tesla’s autonomous and semi-autonomous driving technologies have long been a source of controversy. NHTSA’s heightened scrutiny comes at a time when the automaker is attempting to solidify its leadership in the self-driving space. However, repeated investigations and recalls suggest that there are still significant hurdles to overcome before Tesla’s systems can meet federal safety standards or achieve the level of trust needed for widespread adoption.

In December 2023, Tesla recalled over two million vehicles in the U.S. to add new safeguards to its Autopilot system, addressing concerns that drivers were not paying adequate attention while using the feature. This latest probe into Actually Smart Summon underscores that Tesla’s challenges in the realm of advanced driver assistance systems are far from over.

Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon was launched with the promise of greater convenience and futuristic functionality, but its real-world performance has raised critical safety concerns. The ongoing NHTSA investigation will play a key role in determining whether the feature needs significant changes or whether Tesla must reconsider its approach to remote driving technology. For now, owners of Tesla vehicles equipped with this feature may want to exercise extra caution when using it in crowded or unpredictable environments. As the investigation unfolds, it will likely set an important precedent for the future of remote driving and autonomous vehicle technology.