Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" remote parking feature is under scrutiny by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following reports of multiple crashes involving the technology. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is probing an estimated 2.6 million vehicles equipped with the feature, which was reintroduced last fall after an upgrade to a camera-only approach.

The "Actually Smart Summon" feature, also known as ASS, allows Tesla owners to control their vehicles remotely using a smartphone app. The vehicle uses cameras to navigate through parking lots without a driver, and the feature can be stopped by releasing a button on the app. However, since its reintroduction, numerous videos have surfaced on social media platforms showing Tesla vehicles scraping against other cars, colliding with parking signs, or running into walls.

Although there have been no reported injuries, the NHTSA is concerned about the incidents where users had insufficient reaction time to avoid a crash, either due to limited line of sight or by releasing the phone app button. The agency is investigating "multiple crash allegations" involving both the original Smart Summon and the updated Actually Smart Summon features.

Notably, none of the ASS-related crashes have been reported through NHTSA's standing general order, which requires companies to report incidents involving automated or autonomous features. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the reporting system and the potential for underreporting of incidents.

The investigation into Tesla's Actually Smart Summon feature comes at a time of uncertainty for the NHTSA, with the incoming administration of Donald Trump potentially impacting the agency's safety investigations into Tesla and other companies. Trump's close ties to Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, have raised concerns about the potential for political influence on regulatory oversight.

The NHTSA's probe into the Actually Smart Summon feature is a significant development in the ongoing conversation about the safety and regulation of autonomous vehicle technologies. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that manufacturers, regulators, and consumers work together to ensure that these technologies are deployed safely and responsibly.

The investigation's outcome could have far-reaching implications for Tesla and the broader autonomous vehicle industry, potentially leading to changes in safety protocols, regulatory frameworks, and consumer expectations. As the story unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the NHTSA's findings and any subsequent actions taken by the agency.