NHTSA Investigates Tesla’s Driverless Feature

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that it opened an investigation into connections between crashes and Tesla’s Smart Summon App, as well as a newer version of the App – Actually Smart Summon – that was launched in September 2024. This driverless feature can be found in millions of Tesla vehicles and allows drivers to remotely move their vehicles using their phone without being in the car.

NHTSA’s investigation is looking into any connections between crashes and the Apps, which are in more than 2 million Tesla vehicles. NHTSA says it launched the investigation following media reports and a crash complaint to the Office of Defects Investigation where four cars using the feature allegedly crashed after failing to detect posts or parked vehicles.

NHTSA added, “ODI is aware of multiple crash allegations, involving both Smart Summon and Actually Smart Summon, where the user had too little reaction time to avoid a crash, either with the available line of sight or releasing the phone app button, which stops the vehicle’s movement.” NHTSA also plans to investigate how fast a vehicle can go when using the Actually Smart Summon app, use on public roads and any line-of-sight requirements.

On its website, Tesla says the features are only meant to be used in parking lots and driveways on private property and that the operator must always have a clear line of sight to monitor the vehicle.

NHTSA said Tesla has not reported any Smart Summon or Actually Smart Summon crashes through the Standing General Order for crashes involving ADS or Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems including features like Summons or cruise control), which requires reporting of crashes on publicly accessible roads.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident with a driverless Tesla vehicle, please contact a personal injury lawyer in Houston at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or toll free at 1 800-870-9584.