The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 2.56 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the "Actual Smart Summon" (ASS) remote parking feature, following reports of multiple crashes involving the technology.

The ASS feature, which was released via software update in September, allows Tesla owners to command their vehicles to drive themselves to their location using only the car's cameras. This is an upgrade from the previous "Smart Summon" feature, which relied on ultrasonic sensors in addition to cameras. However, the newer vehicles no longer have these sensors, which has raised concerns about the safety of the ASS feature.

The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received one complaint alleging that the ASS feature resulted in a crash, and has reviewed at least three media reports of similar crashes. According to the report, "all four incidents involve the subject Tesla vehicles operating in [ASS] failing to detect posts or parked vehicles, resulting in a crash." This suggests that the ASS feature may not be accurately detecting obstacles, leading to accidents.

Further investigation by the ODI has also uncovered 12 Smart Summon-related complaints alleging a crash typology similar to the crashes experienced by ASS users. In all of these cases, drivers reported having little time to react to avoid a crash, highlighting the potential risks associated with the feature.

The NHTSA's investigation into the ASS feature is a significant development, as it raises questions about the safety and reliability of autonomous parking technology. While Tesla has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development, this incident highlights the need for rigorous testing and validation of such features before they are released to the public.

The implications of this investigation are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the entire autonomous vehicle industry. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential that manufacturers prioritize safety and transparency to build trust with consumers. The NHTSA's investigation into Tesla's ASS feature serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads.

In the meantime, Tesla owners who have experienced issues with the ASS feature are advised to report incidents to the NHTSA and to exercise caution when using the feature. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely that more information will come to light about the safety and efficacy of the ASS feature, and the broader implications for the autonomous vehicle industry.