The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a probe into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. concerning accidents linked to the “Actually Smart Summon” feature, which enables remote control of cars via a smartphone app. This investigation follows a previous probe into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using Full Self-Driving (FSD) software after reports of four crashes, one of which was fatal. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the Smart Summon feature’s performance, including its maximum speed, functionality on public roads, line of sight requirements, remote control aspects, and the effects of connectivity delays. Notably, the investigation targets Model S and X vehicles from 2016-2025, Model 3 from 2017-2025, and Model Y from 2020-2025 equipped with the optional FSD system. This scrutiny occurs amid Tesla’s ongoing efforts to enhance its self-driving technology, despite facing criticism from stakeholders, including President-elect Donald Trump, who is known for his close ties with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The company’s stock was down 1.9% prior to the announcement, reflecting market sensitivity to such regulatory actions.
