Concerns Over Tesla's Remote Smart Summon Prompt NHTSA Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began a major investigation on some 2.6 million Tesla automobiles in late September of last year, and California law firm Hagens Berman has already filed a lawsuit over the issue against Tesla. The issue relates to the company's Remote Smart Summon feature that lets drivers remotely call their cars using a smartphone app.
Smart Summon Feature Infographic
The Remote Smart Summon developed by Tesla is meant to be a convenient, novel feature allowing users to call their cars when they aren't physically in the vehicle. The system is an evolution of Tesla's portfolio of advanced driver-assistance features. The NHTSA is investigating because there are questions whether the feature may not be working correctly which could lead to safety issues.
Reasons for the Investigation
The NHTSA's inquiry was opened after reports emerged of Smart Summon being used by Tesla owners and the feature seeming to operate haphazardly in ways that could result in a crash or at least a too-close-to-comfort encounter. The agency wants to figure out if these are more than just a few isolated incidents that point toward a potential systemic problem which potentially threatens driver or pedestrian lives.
Tesla and its Customers
Either way, this inquiry could have a big effect on Tesla's business and standing in the hotly contested electric vehicle sector. Whatever the result, if NHTSA determines that the Remote Smart Summon does in fact present safety issues this could prompt subsequent regulatory decisions such as recalls or software patches. This might result in new scrutiny for Tesla owners using it.
Conclusion
A lot of eyes will also be on the NHTSA's investigation into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles that use its Remote Smart Summon feature as it develops further. This situation underscores the delicate dance of convenience and safety in an automotive technology landscape that is only getting more complicated with every new vehicle rolling off the assembly line.
