Teslas’ Summoning Probed
Technology investigated over reports of crashes while vehicles were moved via phone app.
An estimated 2.6 million vehicles are included in the probe based on models equipped with the summoning technology.
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U.S. traffic safety investigators are looking into a Tesla technology that drivers use to bring their car to them or to a different location via a phone application.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an arm of the U.S. transportation department, opened the probe of various Tesla models that have the “Actually Smart Summon” feature after getting a complaint and hearing reports of crashes involving summoned Teslas.
The investigation takes in 2016 to 2025 models S and X, 2017 to 2025 Model 3, and 2020 to 2025 Model Y with Full Self-Driving technology.
The agency cites the issue as crashes during a summoning, including those in which the “operator does not have enough time to react due to vehicle proximity or line of sight.”
No injuries or deaths have been reported related to the issue, the agency said in an Office of Defects Investigation initial report. It noted it’s looking into 16 complaints and reports of incidents and estimated that about 2.6 million vehicles are included in the probe based on models equipped with the summoning technology.
Tesla originally called the feature Smart Summon but later added “Actually” to the name after extending its operating range and adding other capabilities.
The agency said Tesla has reported no crashes involving the technology. It will investigate the feature’s aspects related to crashes and determine the top speed it achieves for the vehicle, line-of-sight requirements, and other aspects.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
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