U.S. regulators on Tuesday announced an investigation into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles following reports of crashes linked to technology that enables drivers to use a smartphone app to remotely summon their cars or direct them to another location.
Why It Matters
The latest inquiry comes on the heels of an October investigation into Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" system, which was prompted by reports of crashes in low-visibility conditions, including one that resulted in a pedestrian's death. That probe involves 2.4 million Tesla vehicles from model years 2016 to 2024.
What To Know
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday that Tesla has not reported any of the accidents under investigation. The automaker is required to disclose crashes occurring on "publicly accessible roads" involving vehicles using its autonomous driving technology.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press as of Tuesday.
A driver filed a complaint after a crash involving Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" feature, and the NHTSA is reviewing three additional incidents reported in the media, according to the agency. In total, the NHTSA is investigating 12 reported crashes linked to the technology.
According to the NHTSA, the vehicles involved failed to detect obstacles such as posts and parked cars.
Regulators reported that the vehicles collided with objects because users had insufficient reaction time to prevent the crashes, either due to limited visibility or delays in releasing the phone app button, which halts the vehicle's movement.
The NHTSA said it will investigate the maximum speeds Teslas can achieve when using the Summon feature, along with restrictions on public road use and line-of-sight requirements. The agency also plans to examine potential "connectivity delays" in the app that could increase stopping distances.
According to the Tesla Model 3 owner's manual, the "Summon" feature is intended exclusively for use in parking lots and driveways on private property and is programmed to remain inactive on public roads.
The investigation encompasses Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving driver assistance system, including 2016-2025 Model S and Model X, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y models.
Elon Musk on U.S. Regulations
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has criticized U.S. regulations as overly restrictive, arguing they hinder the advancement of self-driving car technology. Ethics experts have expressed concerns that once President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, Musk may advocate for reduced oversight to shield Tesla, which recently reported its first annual sales decline in over a decade.
Musk contributed an estimated $250 million to Trump's presidential campaign and frequently visits Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, where he reportedly assists in vetting cabinet nominees and meets with foreign leaders.
Trump has also appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory group tasked with identifying areas to cut government spending, reduce federal staffing and streamline regulations.
What's Next
Tesla Inc., headquartered in Austin, Texas, saw its shares drop by over 4 percent on Tuesday.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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