NHTSA Closes Tesla Smart Summon Investigation

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on April 6, 2026, that it has closed its investigation into Tesla's Actually Smart Summon feature, determining that the low severity and frequency of related incidents, combined with software improvements, did not require further regulatory action. The probe covered approximately 2.59 million vehicles, including 2016-2025 Model S and Model X, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y equipped with Full Self-Driving capability.

The feature enables drivers to remotely maneuver their vehicles over short distances in parking lots or on private property using a smartphone app, provided they maintain continuous visual supervision. NHTSA opened the preliminary evaluation, designated PE24033, in January 2025 following reports of crashes during Summon sessions. Over the course of the review, the agency documented 159 incidents, including 97 crashes, all occurring at low speeds and resulting in minor property damage such as collisions with parked cars, garage doors, gates, or parking bollards. No injuries, fatalities, airbag deployments, or instances requiring vehicle tow-aways were reported. Officials noted that these...