The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into Tesla's “Actual Smart Summon” (ASS) feature following several crashes involving the advanced remote parking functionality. The investigation covers approximately 2.56 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the feature, marking a significant scrutiny of the automaker’s autonomous capabilities.

What Is the ‘Actual Smart Summon’ Feature?

Tesla introduced the Actual Smart Summon feature in September through a software update. The feature allows Tesla owners to use the Tesla app to remotely command their vehicle to drive itself to their location, relying solely on the car's camera systems. This update marked a departure from the earlier Smart Summon feature, which used both cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Tesla’s removal of ultrasonic sensors from newer vehicles has sparked debate over whether this compromise in sensor technology affects safety.

The ASS feature is designed to simplify parking and retrieval by automating short-distance driving, particularly in parking lots. However, the recent crashes suggest that the system may struggle with detecting certain obstacles, raising concerns about its real-world reliability.

The Scope of the Investigation

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) began examining the feature after receiving a formal complaint involving a crash caused by ASS. Additionally, the ODI reviewed three separate media reports documenting similar incidents. In total, at least four crashes have been identified where the Tesla vehicles operating in ASS mode failed to detect posts or parked vehicles, resulting in collisions.

The preliminary report highlights an alarming trend. These crashes reflect a similar "typology" to incidents associated with the older Smart Summon feature. According to the ODI, it has also reviewed 12 additional complaints related to Smart Summon, which described comparable failures. In many cases, drivers reportedly had insufficient time to react to avoid crashes once the vehicle began its maneuver.

Safety Concerns Around Tesla’s Autonomous Features

The investigation adds to the growing scrutiny of Tesla’s autonomous technologies, particularly its shift toward a camera-only system. Critics argue that the absence of ultrasonic sensors may have compromised the vehicle's ability to detect nearby objects accurately. This raises broader questions about the safety and reliability of Tesla’s automation strategies as the company pushes toward fully autonomous driving.

The crashes under investigation underscore the risks associated with partial autonomy, where drivers rely on advanced features but are still expected to intervene when necessary. The NHTSA's probe will likely explore whether the design and functionality of ASS meet federal safety standards and determine whether a recall or software update is required to address the potential defect.

The Implications of the Investigation

The findings of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for Tesla and the broader autonomous vehicle industry. If the NHTSA determines that the ASS feature poses a safety risk, Tesla may face pressure to revise or recall the technology. Additionally, the investigation highlights the challenges automakers face in balancing innovation with safety in their race toward autonomous driving solutions.

As the investigation unfolds, Tesla’s response—and potential changes to its autonomous systems—will be closely watched by regulators, competitors, and consumers alike.