Tesla Smart Summon Feature Scrutinized by NHTSA

Oct. 4, 2019—Tesla’s latest software update has drawn scrutiny from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Smart Summon feature lets drivers call their car from a parking spot to where they’re standing, as noted by cnbc.com’s recent report. 

On Wednesday, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the organization had received reports about the feature, noting the following: “NHTSA is aware of reports related to Tesla’s Summon feature. We are in ongoing contact with the company and we continue to gather information. Safety is NHTSA’s top priority, and the agency will not hesitate to act if it finds evidence of a safety-related defect. NHTSA encourages drivers to report vehicle issues via NHTSA’s online Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) system.” 

Since Smart Summon began to roll out widely to Tesla owners in the U.S. last month, videos have appeared on social media that document Teslas operating with Smart Summon in what appear to be situations where accidents come close to occurring. The Smart Summon feature’s intended for use in parking lots, and only when the user can see their vehicle at all times.