U.S. regulators have launched a fresh investigation into Tesla, this time scrutinizing the automaker’s technology that allows vehicles to be remotely summoned via a smartphone app. The probe, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday, involves 2.6 million Tesla vehicles across various models and production years. This marks another chapter in Tesla’s ongoing tussle with regulatory bodies over the safety of its autonomous driving systems.
The investigation stems from reports of accidents linked to Tesla’s “Summon” feature, which enables drivers to remotely command their vehicles to return to them or move to another location. According to the NHTSA, Tesla failed to disclose any of these crashes, despite a federal order mandating automakers to report accidents involving advanced driving systems on publicly accessible roads.
This latest probe follows another high-profile investigation opened in October 2023, focusing on Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system. That earlier inquiry involved 2.4 million vehicles produced between 2016 and 2024, with the NHTSA citing crashes under low-visibility conditions, including one incident that resulted in a pedestrian fatality.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly voiced his frustration with what he perceives as overly restrictive U.S. regulations, arguing that they stifle innovation in the development of self-driving technology. Critics, however, contend that the company’s approach prioritizes rapid deployment over rigorous safety testing.
The stakes are high for Tesla, as its advanced driver assistance systems have been a cornerstone of the company’s vision for a fully autonomous future. Yet, these systems have also been the subject of increasing scrutiny from regulators, safety advocates, and the public.
The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for Tesla’s operations and its broader ambitions in the self-driving car market. In the meantime, the spotlight on Tesla’s technology underscores the delicate balance between innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
As the probes continue, the question remains: will Tesla’s technological prowess outpace its regulatory challenges, or will these investigations become a roadblock to its self-driving aspirations.
