NHTSA ends 2025 probe into Tesla’s “Actually Smart Summon,” says incidents were low‑speed

Probe closed

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has closed its investigation into Tesla’s “Actually Smart Summon” driverless feature, it has been reported that the inquiry—opened in 2025—covered roughly 2.6 million vehicles. Regulators concluded the incidents tied to the feature involved only low‑speed collisions and did not meet the threshold for a safety defect determination. Short version: no recall, no formal defect finding.

What investigators found

It has been reported that the agency reviewed complaints and crash data and determined the events were limited in severity and speed, which factored into the decision to close the review. The probe looked specifically at vehicles using the parking‑lot maneuvering capability that lets a car move without a driver behind the wheel; collisions, where they occurred, tended to be minor. Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment, it has been reported that.

Why it matters

This is a narrow win for Tesla in a long, bruising contest over hands‑off driving tech. Regulators have been increasingly scrutinizing driver‑assist and semi‑autonomous systems ever since high‑profile crashes put Autopilot and “Full Self‑Driving” under the microscope. Does this mean autonomous parking is safe enough? For now, the answer appears: yes, at low speeds—but the public debate over oversight and liability is far from over.

What’s next

NHTSA will continue to monitor real‑world performance and consumer reports, it has been reported that, leaving the door open for fresh action if future incidents suggest greater risk. For drivers, the practical takeaway is simple: your car can creep between spaces, but don’t treat the parking lot like a sci‑fi set. The bigger questions about true hands‑off driving—on highways, at higher speeds—remain the industry’s next headline.

Sources: reuters.com