2.6M Tesla vehicles under investigation over remote control concerns

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into approximately 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the U.S. following reports of crashes linked to a feature that allows users to remotely move their cars.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NHTSA highlighted concerns about Tesla‘s “Actually Smart Summon” feature, which enables users to direct their vehicles to a specified location via a smartphone app.

The agency noted that it is reviewing one complaint alleging the feature caused a crash, as well as three other incidents reported in the media. These four cases reportedly involved the feature failing to detect obstacles such as poles or parked vehicles, resulting in collisions.

The NHTSA also pointed to claims suggesting that drivers had insufficient reaction time to stop the vehicle and prevent an accident using the smartphone app. This concern prompted the initiation of a formal investigation into the feature’s safety.

The review will cover an estimated 2.58 million Tesla vehicles, including the 2016–2025 Model S, 2017–2025 Model 3, and 2020–2025 Model Y equipped with autonomous driving capabilities.