Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" feature under NHTSA investigation following crash reports

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" feature following multiple reports of crashes. This autonomous parking lot navigation system, a vision-only version of the original "Smart Summon," has already been the subject of much controversy.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly touted the feature's capabilities, calling it a "mind-blowing" advancement. However, its release has been plagued by delays, and it finally became available to the public late last year. While "Actually Smart Summon" has practical applications, such as maneuvering in tight parking spaces, it has also been used by some Tesla owners to summon their vehicles from across parking lots, often simply to impress onlookers.

Despite its potential usefulness, the system has faced criticism for its slow speed and inefficiency. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is currently examining 16 alleged crashes involving the feature. In these incidents, Tesla owners claim they did not have adequate time to stop the system and prevent a collision.

Adding to the concerns, Tesla has reportedly not reported any of these crashes to the NHTSA, despite a Standing General Order requiring the reporting of crashes involving autonomous driving systems (ADS) or Level 2 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on public roads. Tesla has been lobbying to remove this reporting requirement, and there are indications that this may happen under the new administration.

The NHTSA investigation will focus on several key aspects of "Actually Smart Summon." These include the maximum speed the vehicle can reach while the feature is engaged, any built-in limitations for use on public roads, and line-of-sight requirements. The agency will also examine the remote vehicle control functionality through the Tesla app, and potential connectivity delays that could affect stopping distances. Additionally, the investigation will assess the system's ability to function in roadway environments or under operating conditions for which it was not designed.

This is not the first time Tesla's autonomous driving features have landed the company in hot water. The NHTSA is still investigating Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. The results of these investigations could have serious implications for the future of Tesla's autonomous driving tech and the wider adoption of such systems.

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