The NHTSA on Tuesday said it is opening an investigation into 2.6 million Tesla electric vehicles in the U.S. over reports of crashes involving the automaker’s Actually Smart Summon remote-driving feature.
Launched in September, Actually Smart Summon is the current version of the Smart Summon remote valet feature Tesla introduced in 2019. It’s designed to move cars short distances in and out of parking spaces, with drivers controlling vehicles remotely via the Tesla smartphone app while keeping them within line of sight. Releasing an app button stops the car.
Reuters reports that the NHTSA is opening a preliminary evaluation into the feature after four crashes. The regulator will then decide whether to upgrade the evaluation into an engineering analysis, and then potentially compel Tesla to issue a recall.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance
The NHTSA said it will asses Actually Smart Summon’s maximum speed, use on public roads, and line-of-sight requirements, as well as potential connectivity delays related to using a smartphone for remote control. The investigation includes 2016-2025 Tesla Model S and Model X, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles.
The investigation was triggered by reports that vehicles failed to detect obstacles like posts and parked cars while being remotely operated, and that drivers had too little time to react before a crash.
2024 Tesla Model Y. – Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
This new investigation comes after the NHTSA in October opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the misleadingly-named Full-Self Driving system after reports four crashes—including one in which a pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Model Y.
In addition to two investigations, Tesla has had to deal with the troubled launch of its Cybertruck—which has now been recalled seven times—and saw sales fall in 2024. But Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s close relationship with president-elect Donald Trump creates the possibility that the incoming administration won’t pursue these investigations further.