Tesla under investigation again: NHTSA investigates Actually Smart Summon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's Actually Smart Summon feature, which could affect up to 2.6 million vehicles. The feature allows users to move their cars remotely using an app. Recently, there have been reports of possible accidents due to its use.

The whole situation has affected the stock market, with Tesla shares falling 3% after the investigation was announced.

What is Actually Smart Summon?

Actually Smart Summon is an improved version of the original Smart Summon feature, launched in the fall of 2024. It allows Tesla owners to:

• Summon a car to you for short distances.
• Move a car out of tight spaces, such as garages.

Actually Smart Summon relies solely on the car's cameras to detect obstacles, rather than radar and other sensors.

Reasons for the Investigation

• Crash Cases: NHTSA has documented at least four incidents where Tesla vehicles with Actually Smart Summon enabled failed to detect obstacles like utility poles or parked cars, resulting in crashes.
• Media Reports and Complaints: The agency reviewed one formal complaint and three similar media reports.
• Reporting Failures: Tesla failed to report these crashes as required by the Standing General Order for Crashes Involving ADS or Level 2 ADAS, even though such incidents are required to be reported.

This is not the first time NHTSA has looked into Tesla's autonomous features. FSD (fully autonomous driving) has previously been investigated for crashes in low-visibility conditions and insufficient updates.

At the same time, Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to push autonomous technology, including the development of the Cybercab robotaxis, which is not expected to launch until 2026.

Musk's support for President-elect Donald Trump could be a boon for Tesla, which is expected to ease national regulations for autonomous vehicles, which could help the company avoid tougher regulatory hurdles.