The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially closed its 15-month investigation into Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature, also known as ASS. The investigation was launched in early 2025 after a few incidents where Teslas using the self-driving parking feature caused minor accidents in parking lots.
After analyzing data from 2.6 million vehicles, the NHTSA concluded that these incidents were rare and mostly occurred due to user error, such as not monitoring the vehicle or attempting to use the feature in extreme weather conditions. Tesla also released several software updates throughout 2025 to improve the system’s ability to detect dirty or obstructed cameras.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in these incidents, and only minor damage to vehicles occurred. As a result, the NHTSA determined that a recall was not necessary and cleared Tesla of any major safety concerns related to the ASS feature.
Although the NHTSA stated that they will continue to monitor the situation, Tesla has addressed the issues raised during the investigation and made necessary improvements to the system. As of now, Tesla’s Actually Smart Summon feature is considered safe and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Overall, this outcome is a positive development for Tesla and demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly and effectively. The ASS feature remains a unique and innovative technology that enhances the driving experience for Tesla owners.